Substituted phenylimidazopyrazoles and use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to novel 1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, in particular angiogenic disorders and hyperproliferative disorders, where neovascularization plays a role, such as, for example, neoplastic disorders and tumour disorders. Such treatments can be carried out as monotherapy or else in combination with other medicaments or further therapeutic measures.

The present application relates to novel1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivatives, to processes for theirpreparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prevention ofdiseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatmentand/or prevention of diseases, in particular angiogenic disorders andhyperproliferative disorders, where neovascularization plays a role,such as, for example, neoplastic disorders and tumour disorders. Suchtreatments can be carried out as monotherapy or else in combination withother medicaments or further therapeutic measures.

The process of angiogenesis, i.e. the formation of new blood vesselsfrom existing vessels [W. Risau, Nature 386, 671 (1997); R. K. Jain,Nat. Med. 9, 685 (2003)], is relatively rare in adult organisms (woundhealing, ovarian cycle); it does, however, play an important role inpathological processes, in particular in tumour disorders includinghaemangiomas and haemangioblastomas, and also in inflammatory diseasesand autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disorders, kidney disorders,eye disorders and endometriosis with dysregulated angiogenesis.

Neoplastic disorders are the result of uncontrolled cell growth ofvarious tissues. In many cases, the new cells penetrate into existingtissues (invasive growth), or they metastasize into remote organs.Neoplastic disorders occur in various organs and their progression isoften tissue-specific. Accordingly, the term neoplastic disorderdescribes a large group of defined disorders of various organs, tissuesand cell types.

Initially, nascent tumours are not vascularized. Pre-condition forfurther growth exceeding a volume of a few mm³ is the formation of newblood vessels to provide the tumour with oxygen and nutrients. Thisinduction of angiogenesis, also referred to as angiogenic switch, is oneof the characterizing features of the development of cancer [Hanahan andWeinberg, Cell 100, 57 (2000)]. In addition, intratumouralneovascularization increases the probability that tumour cells enter thesystemic circulation, and strong vascularization therefore increases thepotential of metastasization.

The dependency of the tumours on neovascularization led to theinhibition of angiogenesis as a novel treatment principle in cancertherapy [Ferrara et al., Nature 438, 967 (2005); Carmeliet, Nature 438,932 (2005)]. Here, the supply of the growing tumour is restricted byinhibiting the even concomitant growth of the vascular system. As aresult, frequently the growth is delayed, the status quo is stabilizedand the tumour even regresses. One of the most important proangiogenesis factors is the vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF.Using a monoclonal antibody (bevacizumab) which neutralizes VEGF andinhibits the growth of blood vessels, it was possible to extend thelife-expectancy of patients suffering from colorectal carcinoma. VEGFRkinase inhibitors such as sorafenib, sunitinib or pazopanib showpositive results in the treatment of renal cell carcinomas, livercarcinomas and advanced stages of gastrointestinal stromal tumours(GIST). However, frequently the efficacy of the anti-angiogenictherapies available to date does not meet expectations, and in additionthe side-effects are considerable. Accordingly, there is still a bigneed for novel compounds and methods with improved therapeutic efficacy.

In addition to VEGF-mediated signal transduction, numerous other signaltransduction systems participate in the regulation of angiogenesis;however, the angiopoietin-Tie2 signal transduction system is one of themost endothelial cell-selective and most important signal generators forvascular stabilization and, together with VEGF, for the initiation ofvascular growth.

The human angiopoietin-Tie signal transduction system consists of thetwo Type I receptor tyrosine kinases Tie1 and Tie2 (Tyr kinase with Igand EGF homology domains) and the three secreted glycoprotein ligandsangiopoietin 1 (Ang1), angiopoietin 2 (Ang2) and angiopoietin 4 (Ang4).These three ligands bind to Tie2, whereas hitherto no endogenous ligandshave been identified for Tie1. Tie1 interacts with Tie2 and regulatesits activity [Huang et al., Nat. Rev. Cancer 10, 575-585 (2010)]. Ang1acts as Tie2 receptor agonist and induces, both in vitro and in vivo,multimerization and autophosphorylation of Tie2 at tyrosine residues inthe intracellular C-terminal region of the receptor, which allowsdocking of various effectors such as, for example, DOKR (downstream oftyrosine kinase-related protein), GRB2 (growth factor receptor-boundprotein 2), the p85 subunit of PI3K or SHP2 (SH2 domain-containingphosphatase) and results in the activation of several signal cascadesdownstream. Thus, the DOKR signal transduction cascade and various PI3Ksignal transduction cascades mediate Ang1-induced migration, tubeformation and sprouting of endothelial cells, whereas the activated MAPKand PI3K-AKT signal paths have anti-apoptotic action and contribute tothe survival of the endothelial cells [Eklund and Olsen, Exp. Cell Res.312, 630-641 (2006)]. Ang2 was initially identified as Ang1 antagonist[Maisonpierre et al., Science 277, 55-60 (1997)] which inhibits theAng1-stimulated Tie2 phosphorylation. However, Ang2 is capable in itsown right to induce, under certain conditions in the absence of Ang1,Tie2 phosphorylation, and therefore acts like a partial agonist,depending on the experimental conditions.

The significance of the angiopoietin-Tie system for the development andmaintenance of the vascular system is confirmed by knock-out andtransgenic animal studies. The phenotypes of Tie2-deficient andAng1-deficient mice are embryonally lethal and in a comparable mannercharacterized by incompletely formed, partially expanded vessels whichlack the branched networks and the peri-endothelial support cells.Analysis of Tie2-deficient murine embryos further showed an importantrole for Tie2 in haematopoesis and the development of the endocardium.Tie1-deficient murine embryos die of oedema and bleedings which are aconsequence of the poor structural state of the endothelial cells of themicrovasculature. Ang2-deficient mice are viable and display no seriousimpairment of embryonal vascular development. There are, however,defects where postnatal vascular restructuring and angiogenesis takeplace, for example in the retina. In contrast, transgenic overexpressionof Ang2 results in an impaired embryonal vessel formation with anembryonally lethal phenotype similar to Tie2- or Ang1-knock-out. Theconditional overexpression of Ang2 in endothelial cells leads tocomplete inhibition of Tie2 phosphorylation in vivo, which supports theview of Ang2 as an Ang1 antagonist. Overexpression of Ang1 reduces theincreased vascular permeability caused by inflammatory cytokines andsystemic treatment with Ang1 couteracts the vascular permeability causedby VEGF [Augustin et al., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 10, 165-177 (2009)].

The results of these loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies andof studies of the expression and function of angiopoietins and Tiereceptors in the development of the Corpus luteum and the development ofblood vessels in the retina indicate a fundamental role of theangiopoietin-Tie receptor system in the mediation of interactionsbetween endothelial cells and surrounding pericytes or smooth musclecells, which is of significance in particular for the process ofangiogenesis consisting of the destabilization of an existing vessel,sprouting and invasion and the stabilization of the new vessels.

According to the hypotheses published in the literature, it is assumedthat in resting vessels stabilized by murine cells (pericytes or smoothmuscle cells) there is a constitutive Ang1-Tie2 signal transduction formaintaining vascular integrity and endothelial barrier. Ang1 is secretedconstitutively by pericytes and activates the Tie2 receptor localized onthe endothelial cells. This constitutive activation is controlleddynamically by Tie1 and in particular by autocrine-acting Ang2.Expression of Ang2 in endothelial cells is induced transcriptionally bycytokines, in particular VEGF, and hypoxia and is increased in tissueswhere angiogenesis and/or restructuring of vessels takes place. Ang2stored in endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies can be released very rapidly,resulting in the displacement of the Ang1 bound to Tie2 and suppressionof the Ang1-mediated signal transduction. This leads to the dissociationof the pericytes from the endothelial cells and reduced endothelialcell-cell contacts and thus to destabilization of the vessels withconcomitant degradation of the basal membrane. In the absence of VEGF,this process leads to the apoptosis of the endothelial cells andvascular regression. If VEGF tissue concentrations are sufficientlyhigh, for example as a result of hypoxic induction of the expression inthe tumour, the endothelial cells are, depending on their localizationin the destabilized vessel, stimulated to proliferate or migrate and inthe end to form new vascular sprouts.

Moreover, Tie2 is expressed on a subpopulation of tumor-infiltratedCD11b⁺ myeloid cells, the Tie2-expressing monocytes (TEMs). Thecirculating TEMs promote tumour angiogenesis with their pro-angiogenicproperties which are enhanced by increased Ang2 [Coffelt et al., CancerRes. 70, 5270-5280 (2010)].

In the pathological processes associated with anomal neovascularization,angiogenic growth factors and the receptors thereof are frequentlyincreasingly expressed. Increased expression of Tie2 receptors wasobserved, for example, in the endothelium of metastasizing melanomas[Kaipainen et al., Cancer Res. 54, 6571-6577 (1994)], in breast cancer[Salven et al., Br. J. Cancer 74, 69-72 (1996)], in recurrent papillarythyroid cancer [Hsueh et al., J. Surg. Oncol. 103, 395-399 (2011)], inlarge liver tumours [Dhar et al., Anticancer Res. 22, 379-386 (2002)],in endometrial adenocarcinomas [Saito et al., Pathol. Int. 57, 140-147(2007)] and in stomach cancer [Moon et al., J. Korean Med. Sci. 21,272-278 (2006)].

Accordingly, it could be demonstrated that functional impairment of theTie2 receptor in xenograft models of human Karposi sarkomas and SW1222intestinal carcinomas by adenoviral administration of single-chainantibody fragments directed against Tie2 resulted in a significantreduction of the vascular density and the tumour growth [Popkov et al.,Cancer Res. 65, 972-981 (2005)]. Furthermore, solubleangiopoietin-neutralizing Tie2 variants consisting of the Fc-fusedextracellular ligand-binding Tie2 domain were used in xenograft tumourmodels for blocking angiopoietin-Tie2 signal transduction, and aninhibition of the growth and the vascularization of the experimentaltumours was shown [Lin et al., J. Clin. Invest. 103, 159-165 (1999);Siemeister et al., Cancer Res. 59, 3185-3191 (1999)].

In the region of the Tie2 kinase domain, mutations were found that leadto ligand-independent Tie2 activation and are involved in the formationof venous vascular malformations [Wouters et al., Eur. J. Hum. Genet.18, 414-420 (2010)].

Several studies have shown that overexpression of Ang2 and a resultinghigher Ang2/Ang1 ratio in the tumour compared to normal tissuecorrelates with a poor prognosis. This includes various cancerindications, inter alia, for example breast cancer, liver cancer,ovarial carcinoma, metastasizing colon carcinoma, prostate cancer, lungcancer and multiple myeloma [Huang et al., Nat. Rev. Cancer 10, 575-585(2010)].

In preclinical studies with antibodies directed against Ang2, or withpeptide fusion proteins (“pepti-bodies”), which neutralize either Ang2alone or both Ang2 and Ang1, it was possible to inhibit the growth ofvarious experimental xenograft tumours and their vascularization [Olineret al., Cancer Cell 6, 507-516 (2004); Brown et al., Mol. Cancer Ther.9, 145-156 (2010); Huang et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 17, 1001-1011(2011)]. Furthermore, in several preclinical studies a significantimprovement compared to monotherapies was achieved by combiningangiopoietin-neutralizing proteins with VEGF signaltransduction-blocking therapies or cytotoxic compounds [Brown et al.,Mol. Cancer Ther. 9, 145-156 (2010); Coxon et al., Mol. Cancer Ther. 9,2641-2651 (2010)].

In summary, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate the greatsignificance of the angiopoietin-Tie2 system for tumour angiogenesis andpersistent tumour growth and also involvement in lymphangiogenesis,metastasization and inflammatory processes [Huang et al., Nat. Rev.Cancer 10, 575-585 (2010)]. As a consequence, the angiopoietin-Tie2system is increasingly the target of therapeutic strategies. Theseinclude, firstly, biological molecules directed against angiopoietinsand, secondly, low-molecular-weight compounds inhibiting Tie2 kinaseactivity. AMG-386 (Amgen) and CVX-060 (Pfizer) are dual peptide fusionproteins which neutralize Ang1 and Ang2 and just Ang2, respectively, andwhich are in clinical development phase III and II, respectively. Thedual Tie2/VEGFR-inhibitor CEP-11981 (Cephalon) is in phase I of clinicaldevelopment.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide novelcompounds which inhibit Tie2 receptor kinase activity and can be used inthis manner for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders, inparticular neoplastic disorders and other angiogenic disorders.

WO 2008/042639-A1 describes N-phenylpyrimidinylpyrazolamines asmultikinase inhibitors for the treatment of proliferative disorders. EP2 327 704-A1 and WO 2010/125799-A1 disclose ureido-substituted fusedazole derivatives, amongst others1-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles, as PI3K inhibitors forthe treatment of various disorders.

The present invention provides compounds of the general formula (I)

in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl which, as    characterizing structural feature, contains a ring nitrogen atom in    the 3-position relative to the point of attachment of the heteroaryl    ring as component of a C═N— or N═N double bond and which is selected    from the group consisting of

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents O, S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,

-   R² represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) and R^(4B) independently of one another represent hydrogen,    fluorine, chlorine, methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,    trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethyl, hydroxy,    methoxy or trifluoromethoxy,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N,

-   Z² represents C—R^(7B) or N,

-   Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹ or N

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N,    -   where in total at most one of the ring members Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴        and Z⁵ represents N    -   and in which    -   R^(7A) and R^(7B) independently of one another represent        hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl, hydroxy or methoxy,    -   R⁸ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,    -   R⁹ represents hydrogen, pentafluorosulphanyl,        (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, trimethylsilyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,        (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl or        tetrahydropyranyl,        -   where (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to six times by fluorine        -   and        -   (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl and tetrahydropyranyl may be            substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,    -   and    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl,        (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, phenyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or a        group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),        -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or        -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy, 2-hydroxyethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy,            2-ethoxyethoxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino or up            to six times by fluorine        -   and        -   (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl may be substituted up to two times by            identical or different radicals selected from the group            consisting of methyl, hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, amino,            methylamino and dimethylamino        -   and        -   phenyl and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl may be substituted up            to two times by identical or different radicals selected            from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano,            methyl and trifluoromethyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one            another represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,            -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl may in each case be substituted by a                radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,                methoxy, ethoxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino,        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A) and R^(13B), respectively,            are attached to one another and together with the nitrogen            atom to which they are respectively attached form a 4- to            6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N, O and S and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy and oxo,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and contains a ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N, O and S and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy and oxo,    -   where R¹⁰ does not represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or        bromine if Z⁴ represents CH or N, and Z⁵ does not represent N if        Z⁴ represents CH,        and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

Compounds according to the invention are the compounds of the formula(I) and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts, the compoundsincluded in the formula (I) of the formulae mentioned in the followingand their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts, and the compoundsincluded in the formula (I) and mentioned in the following as workingexamples and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts, where thecompounds included in the formula (I) and mentioned in the following arenot already salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

The compounds according to the invention can exist in differentstereoisomeric forms depending on their structure, i.e. in the form ofconfiguration isomers or optionally also as conformation isomers(enantiomers and/or diastereomers, including those in the case ofatropisomers). The present invention therefore includes the enantiomersand diastereomers and their particular mixtures. The stereoisomericallyuniform constituents can be isolated from such mixtures of enantiomersand/or diastereomers in a known manner; chromatography processes arepreferably used for this, in particular HPLC chromatography on anachiral or chiral phase.

Where the compounds according to the invention can occur in tautomericforms, the present invention includes all the tautomeric forms.

The present invention also encompasses all suitable isotopic variants ofthe compounds according to the invention. An isotopic variant of acompound according to the invention is understood here to mean acompound in which at least one atom within the compound according to theinvention has been exchanged for another atom of the same atomic number,but with a different atomic mass than the atomic mass which usually orpredominantly occurs in nature. Examples of isotopes which can beincorporated into a compound according to the invention are those ofhydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulphur, fluorine,chlorine, bromine and iodine, such as ²H (deuterium), ³H (tritium), ¹³C,¹⁴C, ¹⁵N, ¹⁷O, ¹⁸O, ³²P, ³³P, ³³S, ³⁴S, ³⁵S, ³⁶S, ¹⁸F, ³⁶Cl, ⁸²Br, ¹²³I,¹²⁴I, ¹²⁹I and ¹³¹I. Particular isotopic variants of a compoundaccording to the invention, especially those in which one or moreradioactive isotopes have been incorporated, may be beneficial, forexample, for the examination of the mechanism of action or of the activecompound distribution in the body; due to comparatively easypreparability and detectability, especially compounds labelled with ³Hor ¹⁴C isotopes are suitable for this purpose. In addition, theincorporation of isotopes, for example of deuterium, can lead toparticular therapeutic benefits as a consequence of greater metabolicstability of the compound, for example an extension of the half-life inthe body or a reduction in the active dose required; such modificationsof the compounds according to the invention may therefore in some casesalso constitute a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Isotopic variants of the compounds according to the invention can beprepared by generally used processes known to those skilled in the art,for example by the methods described below and the methods described inthe working examples, by using corresponding isotopic modifications ofthe particular reagents and/or starting compounds therein.

Preferred salts in the context of the present invention arephysiologically acceptable salts of the compounds according to theinvention. Salts which are not themselves suitable for pharmaceuticaluses but can be used, for example, for isolation or purification of thecompounds according to the invention are also included.

Physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds according to theinvention include acid addition salts of mineral acids, carboxylic acidsand sulphonic acids, for example salts of hydrochloric acid, hydrobromicacid, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, methanesulphonic acid,ethanesulphonic acid, toluenesulphonic acid, benzenesulphonic acid,naphthalenedisulphonic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, trifluoroaceticacid, propionic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, citricacid, fumaric acid, maleic acid and benzoic acid.

Physiologically acceptable salts of the compounds according to theinvention also include salts of conventional bases, such as, by way ofexample and preferably, alkali metal salts (for example sodium andpotassium salts), alkaline earth metal salts (for example calcium andmagnesium salts) and ammonium salts derived from ammonia or organicamines having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, such as, by way of example andpreferably, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine,N,N-diisopropylethylamine, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine,triethanolamine, dimethylaminoethanol, diethylaminoethanol, procaine,dicyclohexylamine, dibenzylamine, N-methylmorpholine,N-methylpiperidine, arginine, lysine and 1,2-ethylenediamine.

Solvates in the context of the invention are described as those forms ofthe compounds according to the invention which form a complex in thesolid or liquid state by coordination with solvent molecules. Hydratesare a specific form of solvates, in which the coordination takes placewith water. Hydrates are preferred solvates in the context of thepresent invention.

The N-oxides of pyridyl rings and tertiary cyclic amine groupingscontained in compounds according to the invention are similarly includedin the present invention.

The present invention moreover also includes prodrugs of the compoundsaccording to the invention. The term “prodrugs” here designatescompounds which themselves can be biologically active or inactive, butare converted (for example metabolically or hydrolytically) intocompounds according to the invention during their dwell time in thebody.

In the context of the present invention, the substituents have thefollowing meaning, unless specified otherwise:

(C₁-C₆)-Alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₂-C₄)-alkyl in the context of theinvention represent a straight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1to 6, 1 to 4 and 2 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively. There may bementioned by way of example and preferably: methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 2-pentyl,3-pentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl and 3-hexyl.

(C₁-C₄)-Alkylsulphonyl in the context of the invention represents astraight-chain or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atomswhich is attached via a sulphonyl group [—S(═O)₂-] to the remainder ofthe molecule. There may be mentioned by way of example and preferably:methylsulphonyl, ethylsulphonyl, n-propylsulphonyl, isopropylsulphonyl,n-butylsulphonyl and tert-butylsulphonyl.

(C₁-C₆)-Alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy and (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy in the context of theinvention represent a straight-chain or branched alkoxy radical having 1to 6, 1 to 4 and 2 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively. There may bementioned by way of example and preferably: methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy,isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, n-pentoxy,2-pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, neopentoxy, n-hexoxy, 2-hexoxy and 3-hexoxy.

(C₃-C₆)-Cycloalkyl in the context of the invention represents amonocyclic saturated cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 ring carbon atoms.There may be mentioned by way of example and preferably: cyclopropyl,cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl.

A 4- to 6-membered heterocycle in the context of the inventionrepresents a monocyclic saturated heterocycle having a total of 4 to 6ring atoms which contains one or two identical or different ringheteroatoms from the group consisting of N, O and S and is attached viaa ring carbon atom or a ring nitrogen atom. Preference is given to a 4-to 6-membered heterocycle having one or two ring heteroatoms from thegroup consisting of N and O. The following may be mentioned by way ofexample: azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl,tetrahydrofuranyl, thiolanyl, 1,2-oxazolidinyl, 1,3-oxazolidinyl,1,3-thiazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl,tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1,3-dioxanyl, 1,4-dioxanyl, 1,2-oxazinanyl,morpholinyl and thiomorpholinyl. Preference is given to azetidinyl,oxetanyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl,tetrahydropyranyl and morpholinyl. Particular preference is given toazetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl and morpholinyl.

5- or 6-membered Heteroaryl in the definition of the radical R¹⁰represents a monocyclic aromatic heterocycle (heteroaromatic) having atotal of 5 and 6 ring atoms, respectively, which contains up to threeidentical or different ring heteroatoms from the group consisting of N,O and S and is attached via a ring carbon atom or a ring nitrogen atom.The following may be mentioned by way of example: furyl, pyrrolyl,thienyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2-oxazolyl (isoxazolyl), 1,3-oxazolyl,1,2-thiazolyl (isothiazolyl), 1,3-thiazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl,1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl, 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl,1,2,4-thiadiazolyl, 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl,pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, 1,2,4-triazinyl and 1,3,5-triazinyl. Preferenceis given to 5-membered heteroaryl which contains a ring nitrogen atom(“azaheteroaryl”) and may additionally contain a further ring heteroatomfrom the group consisting of N, O and S, such as pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl,imidazolyl, 1,2-oxazolyl, 1,3-oxazolyl, 1,2-thiazolyl and 1,3-thiazolyl.

An oxo substituent in the context of the invention represents an oxygenatom, which is bonded to a carbon atom or a sulphur atom via a doublebond.

In the context of the present invention, all radicals which occur morethan once are defined independently of one another. If radicals in thecompounds according to the invention are substituted, the radicals maybe mono- or polysubstituted, unless specified otherwise. Substitution byone, two or three identical or different substituents is preferred.Particular preference is given to substitution by one or two identicalor different substituents. Very particular preference is given tosubstitution by one substituent.

A certain embodiment of the present invention comprises compounds of theformula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl which, as    characterizing structural feature, contains a ring nitrogen atom in    the 3-position relative to the point of attachment of the heteroaryl    ring as component of a C═N— or N═N double bond and which is selected    from the group consisting of

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents O, S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,

-   R² represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) and R^(4B) independently of one another represent hydrogen,    fluorine, chlorine, methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,    trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl, ethyl, hydroxy,    methoxy or trifluoromethoxy,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N,

-   Z² represents C—R^(7B) or N,

-   Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹ or N

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N,    -   where in total at most one of the ring members Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴        and Z⁵ represents N    -   and in which    -   R^(7A) and R^(7B) independently of one another represent        hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, methyl, hydroxy or methoxy,    -   R⁸ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,    -   R⁹ represents hydrogen, pentafluorosulphanyl,        (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, trimethylsilyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,        (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl or        tetrahydropyranyl,        -   where (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl and tetrahydropyranyl may be            substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,    -   and    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl,        (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, phenyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or a        group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),        -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or        -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy, 2-hydroxyethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy,            2-ethoxyethoxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino or up            to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl may be substituted up to two times by            identical or different radicals selected from the group            consisting of methyl, hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy, amino,            methylamino and dimethylamino        -   and        -   phenyl and 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl may be substituted up            to two times by identical or different radicals selected            from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, cyano and            methyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one            another represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,            -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl may in each case be substituted by a                radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,                methoxy, ethoxy, amino, methylamino and dimethylamino,        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A) and R^(13B), respectively,            are attached to one another and together with the nitrogen            atom to which they are respectively attached form a 4- to            6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N, O and S and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of methyl,            hydroxy and oxo,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and contains a ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N, O and S and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of methyl,            hydroxy and oxo,    -   where R¹⁰ does not represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or        bromine if Z⁴ represents CH or N, and Z⁵ does not represent N if        Z⁴ represents CH,        and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

Preference in the context of the present invention is given to compoundsof the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl selected from the    group consisting of

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,

-   R² represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) and R^(4B) independently of one another represent hydrogen,    fluorine, chlorine, methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,    trifluoromethyl, ethyl or methoxy,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N,

-   Z² represents C—R^(7B) or N,

-   Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N,    -   where in total at most one of the ring members Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁵        represents N    -   and in which    -   R^(7A) and R^(7B) independently of one another represent        hydrogen or fluorine,    -   R⁸ represents hydrogen or fluorine,    -   R⁹ represents hydrogen, pentafluorosulphanyl,        (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,        cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or oxetanyl,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to six times by fluorine        -   and        -   cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetanyl may be substituted up            to two times by identical or different radicals selected            from the group consisting of fluorine, methyl,            trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,    -   and    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl,        5-membered azaheteroaryl or a group of the formula        -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B), -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B),        -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   5-membered azaheteroaryl may be substituted up to two times            by methyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one            another represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A) and R^(13B), respectively,            are attached to one another and together with the nitrogen            atom to which they are respectively attached form a 4- to            6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            cyano, methyl, ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy and ethoxy,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and contains a ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted up to two times by identical or different            radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            cyano, methyl, ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy and ethoxy,    -   where R¹⁰ does not represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or        bromine if Z⁴ represents CH, and Z⁵ does not represent N if Z⁴        represents CH,        and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention comprisescompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl selected from the    group consisting of

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,

-   R² represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) and R^(4B) independently of one another represent hydrogen,    fluorine, chlorine, methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl,    trifluoromethyl, ethyl or methoxy,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N,

-   Z² represents C—R^(7B) or N,

-   Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N,    -   where in total at most one of the ring members Z¹, Z², Z³ and Z⁵        represents N    -   and in which    -   R^(7A) and R^(7B) independently of one another represent        hydrogen or fluorine,    -   R⁸ represents hydrogen or fluorine,    -   R⁹ represents hydrogen, pentafluorosulphanyl,        (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy,        cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or oxetanyl,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetanyl may be substituted up            to two times by identical or different radicals selected            from the group consisting of fluorine, methyl,            trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,    -   and    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl,        5-membered azaheteroaryl or a group of the formula        -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B), -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B),        -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   5-membered azaheteroaryl may be substituted up to two times            by methyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one            another represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A) and R^(13B), respectively,            are attached to one another and together with the nitrogen            atom to which they are respectively attached form a 4- to            6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted by methyl or hydroxy,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and contains a ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted by methyl or hydroxy,    -   where R¹⁰ does not represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or        bromine if Z⁴ represents CH, and Z⁵ does not represent N if Z⁴        represents CH,        and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds ofthe formula (I) in which

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,-   R² represents hydrogen or methyl,-   and-   R³ represents hydrogen,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   R^(4A) represents fluorine, chlorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   R⁵ and R⁶ each represent hydrogen,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Z¹ and Z² each represent CH,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Z³ represents CH or N,    and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention relates tocompounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which    -   R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl, (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl,        trimethylsilyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, cyclopropyl,        cyclobutyl or oxetanyl,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to six times by fluorine        -   and        -   cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetanyl may be substituted up            to two times by identical or different radicals selected            from the group consisting of fluorine, methyl,            trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,            and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

Particular preference in the context of the present invention is givento compounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of the formula

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine,

-   R² represents hydrogen or methyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) represents chlorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl,

-   R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents CH,

-   Z² represents CH,

-   Z³ represents CH or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which    -   R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl, (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl,        trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkyl,        (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or oxetan-3-yl,        -   where (C₂-C₄)-alkyl and (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to five times by fluorine        -   and        -   cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetan-3-yl may be substituted            by a radical selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in which    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl, 1H-imidazol-1-yl or a        group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),        -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or        -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   1H-imidazol-1-yl may be substituted up to two times by            methyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) are attached to one another and together            with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4-            to 6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted by a radical selected from the group            consisting of cyano, methyl, hydroxy and methoxy or up to            two times with fluorine,        -   R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and, as ring heteroatom,            contains a nitrogen atom and which may be substituted by a            radical selected from the group consisting of cyano, methyl,            hydroxy and methoxy or up to two times with fluorine,            and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further particularly preferred embodiment of the present inventionrelates to compounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of the formula

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping    -   and    -   Y represents S or NH,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen,

-   R² represents hydrogen or methyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) represents chlorine, methyl or trifluoromethyl,

-   R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy,

-   Z¹ represents CH,

-   Z² represents CH,

-   Z³ represents CH or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which    -   R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl, trifluoromethyl,        trifluoromethoxy, (C₂-C₄)-alkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy, cyclopropyl,        cyclobutyl or oxetan-3-yl,        -   where (C₂-C₄)-alkyl and (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up            to three times by        -   and        -   cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetan-3-yl may be substituted            by a radical selected from the group consisting of fluorine,            methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy,

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in which    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,        hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl, 1H-imidazol-1-yl or a        group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),        -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or        -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine        -   and        -   1H-imidazol-1-yl may be substituted up to two times by            methyl,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) are attached to one another and together            with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a 4-            to 6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring            heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which            may be substituted by methyl or hydroxy,        -   R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is            attached via a ring carbon atom and, as ring heteroatom,            contains a nitrogen atom and which may be substituted by            methyl or hydroxy,            and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

Very particular preference in the context of the present invention isgiven to compounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of the formula

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping,

-   R¹ represents hydrogen,

-   R² represents hydrogen or methyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) represents chlorine or methyl,

-   R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen,

-   Z¹ represents CH,

-   Z² represents CH,

-   Z³ represents CH or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which    -   R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl, (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl,        trifluoromethyl, 2-fluoropropan-2-yl, tert-butyl,        1,1,1-trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl, trifluoromethoxy,        1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy or 3-methyloxetan-3-yl,

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in which    -   R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, cyano, hydroxy,        (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl, 2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl or a        group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),        -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or        -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen,        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or methyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) are attached to one another and together            with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an            azetidin-1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl- or piperidin-1-yl ring, each            of which may be substituted by a radical selected from the            group consisting of cyano, hydroxy and methoxy, or a            piperazin-1-yl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-yl or morpholin-4-yl            ring,        -   R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or methyl,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents an azetidin-3-yl, pyrrolidin-3-yl,            piperidin-3-yl or piperidin-4-yl ring, each of which may be            substituted by hydroxy,            and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

A further very particularly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention relates to compounds of the formula (I) in which

-   Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of the formula

-   -   in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping

-   R¹ represents hydrogen,

-   R² represents hydrogen or methyl,

-   R³ represents hydrogen,

-   R^(4A) represents chlorine or methyl,

-   R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl,

-   R⁵ represents hydrogen,

-   R⁶ represents hydrogen,

-   Z¹ represents CH,

-   Z² represents CH,

-   Z³ represents CH or N,

-   Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which    -   R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl, trifluoromethyl, tert-butyl        or trifluoromethoxy,

-   and

-   Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in which    -   R¹⁰ represents fluorine, chlorine, cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,        hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl,        2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl or a group of the formula        -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B), -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B),        -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴,        -   where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by            a radical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy,            methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times by fluorine,        -   and in which        -   L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—,        -   L² represents a bond,        -   L³ represents a bond or —O—,        -   R¹¹ represents hydrogen,        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or methyl        -   or        -   R^(12A) and R^(12B) are attached to one another and together            with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form an            azetidin-1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl- or piperidin-1-yl ring, each            of which may be substituted by hydroxy, or a piperazin-1-yl,            4-methylpiperazin-1-yl or morpholin-4-yl ring,        -   R^(13A) and R^(13B) independently of one another represent            hydrogen or methyl,        -   and        -   R¹⁴ represents an azetidin-3-yl, pyrrolidin-3-yl,            piperidin-3-yl or piperidin-4-yl ring, each of which may be            substituted by hydroxy,            and their salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.

The definitions of radicals indicated specifically in the respectivecombinations or preferred combinations of radicals are replaced asdesired irrespective of the particular combinations indicated for theradicals also by definitions of radicals of other combinations.Combinations of two or more of the abovementioned preferred ranges arevery particularly preferred.

The present invention furthermore provides a process for preparing thecompounds of the formula (I) according to the invention, characterizedin that either

-   [A] an aniline derivative of the formula (II)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵ and R⁶ have the        meanings given above    -   and    -   (PG-) represents an optional nitrogen protective group in the        case that Y in Ar^(N) represents NH,    -   is coupled in an inert solvent in the presence of a condensing        agent with a carboxylic acid of the formula (III)

-   -   in which Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above,    -   to give the carboxamide of the formula (IV)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹,        Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above,    -   and the protective group PG, if present, is then removed,

-   or

-   [B] a 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivative of the formula (V)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), R¹, R² and R³ have the meanings given above    -   and    -   (PG-) represents an optional nitrogen protective group in the        case that Y in Ar^(N) represents NH,    -   is coupled in an inert solvent with copper(I) catalysis with a        phenyl bromide of the formula (VI)

-   -   in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and a have the        meanings given above,    -   to give the 1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivative of the        formula (IV)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹,        Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above,    -   and the protective group PG, if present, is then removed,

-   or

-   [C] an aminopyrazole derivative of the formula (VII)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), R¹, R² and R³ have the meanings given above,    -   R¹⁵ represents methyl or ethyl,    -   and    -   (PG-) represents an optional nitrogen protective group in the        case that Y in Ar^(N) represents NH,    -   is coupled in an inert solvent under palladium catalysis with a        phenyl bromide of the formula (VI)

-   -   in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the        meanings given above,    -   to give a compound of the formula (VIII)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, R¹⁵,        Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above,    -   the compound of the formula (VIII) is then cyclized by treatment        with acid to give the 1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole        derivative of the formula (IV)

-   -   in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹,        Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above,    -   and the protective group PG, if present, is then removed,        and the compounds of the formula (I) obtained in this manner are        optionally converted with the appropriate (i) solvents        and/or (ii) acids or bases into their solvates, salts and/or        solvates of the salts.

In the case that group Ar^(N) in formula (I) represents 5-memberedazaheteroaryl of the structures shown above and ring member Y in thisstructure represents NH, it may be expedient or required in theabove-described process steps to block this ring nitrogen atomtemporarily with a protective group PG. Suitable for this purpose areknown amino protective groups such as, in particular, benzyl,4-methoxybenzyl, 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl or tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl (THP).Introduction and removal of such protective groups are carried out bygenerally customary methods [see, for example, T. W. Greene and P. G. M.Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley, New York, 1999].Preference is given to using the 4-methoxybenzyl group. The removal ofthis protective group in process step (IV)→(I) is preferably carried outwith the aid of a strong anhydrous acid such as trifluoroacetic acid,hydrogen chloride or hydrogen bromide, if appropriate with addition ofan inert solvent such as dichloromethane, 1,4-dioxane or glacial aceticacid.

Inert solvent for process step [A] (II)+(III)→(IV) [amide coupling] are,for example, ethers such as diethyl ether, diisopropyl ether, tert-butylmethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-dioxane, 1,2-dimethoxyethane orbis(2-methoxyethyl) ether, hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene,xylene, hexane, cyclohexane or mineral oil fractions, halogenatedhydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, trichloromethane, carbontetrachloride, 1,2-dichlorothane, trichloroethylene or chlorobenzene, ordipolar aprotic solvents such as acetone, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate,pyridine, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF),N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), N,N′-dimethylpropyleneurea (DMPU) orN-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP). It is also possible to employ mixtures ofsuch solvents. Preference is given to using dichloromethane,tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide or mixtures thereof.

Suitable condensing agents for these coupling reactions are, forexample, carbodiimides such as N,N′-diethyl-, N,N′-dipropyl-,N,N′-diisopropyl-, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) orN-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC),phosgene derivatives such as N,N′-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) or isobutylchloroformate, 1,2-oxazolium compounds such as2-ethyl-5-phenyl-1,2-oxazolium 3-sulphate or 2-tert-butyl5-methylisoxazolium perchlorate, acyl-amino compounds such as2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, α-chloroenamines such as1-chloro-2-methyl-1-dimethylamino-1-propene, phosphorus compounds suchas propane-phosphonic anhydride, diethyl cyanophosphonate,bis(2-oxo-3-oxazolidinyl)phosphoryl chloride,benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate(BOP) or benzotriazol-1-yloxy-tris(pyrrolidino)phosphoniumhexafluorophosphate (PyBOP), or uronium compounds such asO-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate(TBTU), O-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate (HBTU),2-(2-oxo-1-(2H)-pyridyl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate(TPTU), O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate (HATU) orO-(1H-6-chlorobenzotriazol-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluroniumtetrafluoroborate (TCTU), if appropriate in combination with anactivated ester component such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt),N-hydroxysuccinimide (HOSu), 4-nitrophenol or pentafluorophenol, and asbase an alkali metal carbonate, for example sodium carbonate orpotassium carbonate, or a tertiary amine base such as triethylamine,N-methylmorpholine, N-methylpiperidine, N,N-diisopropylethylamine,pyridine or 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine. Preference is given to usingO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate (HATU) orO-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate(TBTU) in combination with N-methylmorpholine orN,N-diisopropylethylamine as base.

The reaction [A] (II)+(III)→(IV) is generally carried out in atemperature range of from −20° C. to +60° C., preferably at from 0° C.to +40° C. The reaction can be carried out at atmospheric, at elevatedor at reduced pressure (for example from 0.5 to 5 bar); in general, thereaction is carried out at atmospheric pressure.

The coupling reaction [B] (V)+(VI)→(IV) is carried out with the aid of acopper(I) catalyst such as copper(I) oxide, copper(I) bromide orcopper(I) iodide, in the presence of a copper ligand such as8-hydroxyquinoline or 1,10-phenanthroline, and an inorganic or organiccarbonate base such as potassium carbonate, caesium carbonate orbis(tetraethylammonium) carbonate. Suitable inert solvents for thisreaction are in particular toluene, xylene, 1,4-dioxane, acetonitrile,dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) or mixturesthereof, if appropriate with addition of water. Preference is given tousing a system consisting of copper(I) iodide, 8-hydroxyquinoline andbis(tetraethylammonium) carbonate in dimethylformamide with about 10%water added [cf. L. Liu et al., J. Org. Chem. 70 (24), 10135-10138(2005) and further literature cited therein]. The reaction is generallycarried out in a temperature range of from +100° C. to +200° C.,advantageously using a microwave oven.

Suitable palladium catalysts for the coupling reaction [C](VII)+(VI)→(VIII) are, for example, palladium(II) acetate, palladium(II)chloride, bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride,bis(acetonitrile)palladium(II) chloride,tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0),bis(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium(0),tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) or[1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene]palladium(II) chloride, in eachcase in combination with a suitable phosphine ligand such as, forexample, 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl (X-Phos),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-dimethoxybiphenyl (S-Phos),1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-1′-(di-tert-butylphosphino)ferrocene (Q-Phos),4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene (xantphos),2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAP),2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl or2-di-tert-butylphosphino-2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl.

The coupling reaction [C] (VII)+(VI)→(VIII) is generally carried out inthe presence of a base. Suitable bases are in particular alkali metalcarbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate or caesiumcarbonate, alkali metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate or potassiumphosphate, alkali metal fluorides such as potassium fluoride or caesiumfluoride, or alkali metal tert-butoxides such as sodium tert-butoxide orpotassium tert-butoxide. The reaction is carried out in an inert solventsuch as, for example, toluene, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, tetrahydrofuran,1,4-dioxane, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamid (DMF),N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) or mixtures thereof in a temperature rangeof from +80° C. to +200° C., where here, too, heating by means of amicrowave apparatus may be advantageous.

For this coupling reaction, preference is given to using acatalyst/ligand/base system consisting of palladium(II) acetate,4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene (xantphos) and caesiumcarbonate, and 1,4-dioxane as solvent.

The cyclization [C] (VIII)→(IV) is preferably carried out by heating theacetal (VIII) with an aqueous acid such as, for example, sulphuric acidin an alcoholic solvent such as methanol or ethanol, where once morecarrying out the reaction with microwave irradiation may beadvantageous.

In the case that the azaheteroaryl group Ar^(N) in (VIII) is present inTHP-protected form (PG=tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl), under the cyclizationreaction conditions mentioned this protective group is removed, too,such that here the corresponding compound of the formula (I) accordingto the invention is obtained directly as reaction product. If a benzyl,4-methoxybenzyl or 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl protective group is present inAr^(N), this is removed in a subsequent separate reaction step (IV) (I),as described above.

Further compounds of the formula (I) according to the invention can, ifexpedient, also be prepared by converting functional groups ofindividual radicals and substituents, in particular those listed underR⁹ and R¹⁰, starting with other compounds of the formula (I) obtained bythe above processes or precursors thereof. These conversions are carriedout by customary methods familiar to the person skilled in the art andinclude, for example, reactions such as nucleophilic or electrophilicsubstitution reactions, transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions(for example Ullmann reaction, Buchwald-Hartwig reaction, Suzukicoupling, Negishi coupling), addition reactions of organometalliccompounds (for example Grignard compounds or organilithium compounds) oncarbonyl compounds, oxidation and reduction reactions, hydrogenation,alkylation, acylation, sulphonylation, amination, hydroxylation, theformation of nitriles, carboxylic esters, carboxamides and sulfonamides,ester cleavage and hydrolysis and also introduction and removal oftemporary protective groups.

Compounds of the formula (I) can also be prepared, if expedient, byintroducing into the starting materials of the process variantsdescribed above instead of the substituents R⁹ and/or R¹⁰ initiallyother functional groups not within the scope of the meanings of R⁹ andR¹⁰, respectively, which are then converted by subsequenttransformations familiar to the person skilled in the art (such as thosementioned in an exemplary manner above) into the respective substituentsR⁹ and R¹⁰. Examples of such functional groups serving as “precursor”for R⁹ and/or R¹⁰ are radicals such as chlorine, bromine, iodine, nitro,hydroxy, methanesulphonate (mesylate), trifluoromethanesulphonate(triflate), formyl and alkylcarbonyl [cf. also the preparation of theworking examples and their precursors described in detail in theexperimental part below].

The aminopyrazole intermediate of the formula (VII) from process route[C] can be prepared by acid-catalyzed condensation of a cyanoenamine or-enol of the formula (IX)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-) and R¹ have the meanings given aboveandQ represents NH₂ or OH,with a hydrazinoacetal of the formula (X)

in which R², R³ and R¹⁵ have the meanings given above.

The reaction is preferably carried out in an alcoholic solvent such asmethanol or ethanol in a temperature range of from +60° C. to +120° C.,the use of a microwave oven being advantageous. A particularly suitableacid catalyst is aqueous hydrochloric acid. Instead of the enols of theformula (IX) [Q=OH], it is also possible to employ corresponding enolatesalts such as, for example, lithium enolates, sodium enolates orpotassium enolates, for the reaction.

The 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole intermediate of the formula (V) fromprocess route [B] is accessible analogously to the reaction [C](VIII)→(IV) by acid-catalyzed cyclization of the aminopyrazole acetal(VII).

Likewise starting with aminopyrazole (VII), the aniline intermediate ofthe formula (II) from process route [A] can be obtained by (i)palladium-catalyzed coupling of (VII) with a meta-nitrophenyl bromide ofthe formula (XI)

in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵ and R⁶ have the meanings given above,to give the N-arylated compound of the formula (XII)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶ and R¹⁵ havethe meanings given above,(ii) subsequent acid-catalyzed cyclization to the1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole of the formula (XIII)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵ and R⁶ have themeanings given above,and (iii) subsequent reduction of the nitro group in (XIII).

The coupling reaction (VII)+(XI)→(XII) and the cyclization (XII)→(XIII)are carried out in a manner analogous to that described above in thecontext of process route [C] for the reactions (VII)+(VI)→(VIII) and(VIII)→(IV).

The reduction of the nitro group to the amine in process step(XIII)→(II) can be carried out, for example, with the aid of tin(II)chloride or by catalytical hydrogenation with gaseous hydrogen or, inthe sense of a transfer hydrogenation, in the presence of hydrogendonors such as ammonium formate, cyclohexene or cyclohexadiene. Thepreferred method is the palladium(0)-catalyzed hydrogenation withammonium formate. The reaction is preferably carried out in an alcoholicsolvent such as methanol or ethanol, if appropriate with addition ofwater, in a temperature range of from +20° C. to +100° C.

The meta-amidophenyl bromide intermediate of the formula (VI) fromprocess routes [B] and [C] can be obtained in a simple manner bycoupling an aniline of the formula (XIV)

in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵ and R⁶ have the meanings given above,with a carboxylic acid of the formula (III) or a corresponding carbonylchloride of the formula (XV)

in which Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above.

The carboxylic acid amidation (XIV)+(III)→(VI) is carried out bycustomary methods with the aid of a condensing agent under reactionconditions similar to those described above for the analogous reaction[A] (II)+(III)→(IV). Preferably, the condensing agent used isO-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluroniumhexafluorophosphate (HATU) and the base is N,N-diisopropylethylamine.

If the corresponding carbonyl chloride (XV) is used, coupling with theamine component (XIV) is carried out in the presence of a customaryorganic auxiliary base such as triethylamine, N,N-diisopropylethylamine,N-methylmorpholine, N-methylpiperidine, pyridine, 2,6-lutidine,4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) or1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN). Preference is given to usingtriethylamine or N,N-diisopropylethylamine. The reaction is generallycarried out in an inert solvent such as dichloromethane in a temperaturerange of from −20° C. to +60° C., preferably from 0° C. to +40° C.

The compounds of the formulae (III), (IX), (X), (XI), (XIV) and (XV) arecommercially available or have been described as such in the literature,or they can be prepared in a manner obvious to the person skilled in theart analogously to the methods published in the literature. Numerousdetailed procedures and literature references for preparing the startingmaterials can also be found in the Experimental Part in the section onthe preparation of the starting materials and intermediates.

The preparation of the compounds according to the invention can beillustrated in an exemplary manner by the reaction schemes below:

The compounds according to the invention have valuable pharmacologicalproperties and can be used for the prevention and treatment of disordersin humans and animals.

The compounds according to the invention are highly potent inhibitors ofTie2 receptor kinase and can be administered orally. By virtue of thisactivity profile, the compounds according to the invention are suitablein particular for the treatment of angiogenic disorders in humans andmammals in general.

These angiogenic disorders include in particular neoplastic disordersand tumour disorders which, in the context of the present invention, isto be understood as meaning in particular the following disorders, butwithout being limited thereto: breast carcinomas and breast tumours(mammary carcinomas including ductal and lobular forms, also in situ),tumours of the respiratory tract (small-cell and non-small-cell lungcarcinoma, bronchial carcinomas), brain tumours (for example of thebrain stem and of the hypothalamus, astrocytoma, ependymoma,glioblastoma, glioma, medullo-blastoma, meningioma and neuro-ectodermaland pineal tumours), tumours of the digestive organs (oesophagus,stomach, gall bladder, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and analcarcinomas), liver tumours (inter alia hepatocellular carcinoma,cholangiocellular carcinoma and mixed hepatocellular andcholangiocellular carcinomas), tumours of the head and neck region(larynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, lips and oral cavitycarcinomas, oral melanomas), skin tumours (basaliomas, spinaliomas,squamous epithelial carcinomas, Kaposi sarcoma, malignant melanomas,non-melanoma skin cancer, Merkel cell skin cancer, mast cell tumours),tumours of the supporting and connective tissure (inter alia soft tissuesarcomas, osteosarcomas, malignant fibrous histiocytomas,chondrosarcomas, fibrosarkomas, haemangiosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas,liposarcomas, lymphosarcomas and rhabdomyosarcomas), tumours of the eyes(inter alia intraocular melanoma and retinoblastoma), tumours of theendocrine and exocrine glands (for example thyroid and parathyroidglands, pancreas and salivary gland carcinomas, adenocarcinomas),tumours of the urinary tract (tumours of the bladder, penis, kidney,renal pelvis and ureter) and tumours of the reproductive organs(carcinomas of the endometrium, cervix, ovary, vagina, vulva and uterusin women and carcinomas of the prostate and testicles in men). Thesealso include proliferative disorders of the blood, the lymph system andthe spinal cord, in solid form and as circulating cells, such asleukaemias, lymphomas and myeloproliferative diseases, for example acutemyeloid, acute lymphoblastic, chronic myeloic, chronic lymphocytic andhair cell leukaemia, multiple myeloma (plasmocytoma) and AIDS-correlatedlymphomas, Hodgkin's lymphomas, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, cutaneous Tcell lymphomas, Burkitt's lymphomas and lymphomas in the central nervoussystem.

For the purpose of the present invention, the treatment of theneoplastic disorders mentioned above may comprise both a treatment ofthe solid tumours and a treatment of metastasizing or circulating formsthereof.

By virtue of their activity profile, the compounds according to theinvention are particularly suitable for the treatment of breast,colorectal, liver, kidney and ovarial carcinomas, glioblastomas, acutemyeloic leukaemia (AML), chronic myeloic leukaemia (CML) and multiplemyeloma.

Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention can be used fortreating blood vessel malformations such as haemangiomas,haemangioblastomas, cavernomas and lymphangiomas, and further disordersassociated with excessive or anormal angiogenesis. These include, interalia, diabetic retinopathy, ischaemic retinal vene occlusion andretinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration,neovascular glaucoma, psoriasis, retrolental fibroplasia, angiofibroma,inflammation, rheumatic arthritis, restenosis, in-stent restenosis andrestenosis after vessel implantation, endometriosis, kidney disorders(for example glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, malignantnephrosclerosis) and fibrotic disorders (for example liver cirrhosis,mesangiosis, arteriosclerosis). In addition, the compounds according tothe invention are also suitable for treating pulmonary hypertension.

The well-described diseases of man mentioned above can also occur with acomparable aetiology in other mammals and can likewise be treated therewith the compounds of the present invention.

In the context of the present invention, the term “treatment” or “treat”includes the inhibition, delay, arrest, amelioration, attenuation,limitation, reduction, suppression, reversal or cure of a disease, acondition, a disorder, an injury and a health impairment, of thedevelopment, course or the progression of such states and/or thesymptoms of such states. Here, the term “therapy” is understood to besynonymous with the term “treatment”.

In the context of the present invention, the terms “prevention”,“prophylaxis” or “precaution” are used synonymously and refer to theavoidance or reduction of the risk to get, to contract, to suffer fromor to have a disease, a condition, a disorder, an injury or a healthimpairment, a development or a progression of such states and/or thesymptoms of such states.

The treatment or the prevention of a disease, a condition, a disorder,an injury or a health impairment may take place partially or completely.

Thus, the invention furthermore provides the use of the compoundsaccording to the invention for the treatment and/or prevention ofdisorders, in particular the disorders mentioned above.

The present invention furthermore provides the use of the compoundsaccording to the invention for preparing a medicament for the treatmentand/or prevention of disorders, in particular the disorders mentionedabove.

The present invention furthermore provides the use of the compoundsaccording to the invention in a method for the treatment and/orprevention of disorders, in particular the disorders mentioned above.

The present invention furthermore provides a method for the treatmentand/or prevention of disorders, in particular the disorders mentionedabove, using an effective amount of at least one of the compoundsaccording to the invention.

The compounds according to the invention can be employed by themselvesor, if required, in combination with one or more other pharmacologicallyactive substances, as long as this combination does not lead toundesirable and unacceptable side effects. Accordingly, the presentinvention furthermore provides medicaments comprising at least one ofthe compounds according to the invention and one or more further activecompounds, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of theabovementioned diseases.

For example, the compounds of the present invention can be combined withknown anti-angiogenic, anti-hyperproliferative, cytostatic or cytotoxicsubstances for the treatment of neoplastic disorders. Suitable activecompounds in the combination which may be mentioned by way of exampleare:

abarelix, abiraterone, aclarubicin, afatinib, aflibercept, aldesleukin,alemtuzumab, alitretinoin, altretamine, AMG-386, aminoglutethimide,amonafide, amrubicin, amsacrine, anastrozole, andromustine, arglabin,asparaginase, axitinib, 5-azacitidine, basiliximab, belotecan,bendamustin, bevacizumab, bexaroten, bicalutamide, bisantrene,bleomycin, bortezomib, bosutinib, brivanibalaninate, buserelin,busulfan, cabazitaxel, calcium folinate, calcium levofolinate,camptothecin, capecitabine, carboplatin, carmofur, carmustine,catumaxomab, cediranib, celmoleukin, cetuximab, chlorambucil,chlormadinone, chlormethine, cidofovir, cisplatin, cladribine, clodronicacid, clofarabine, combretastatin, crisantaspase, crizotinib, CVX-060,cyclophosphamide, cyproterone, cytarabine, dacarbazine, dactinomycin,darbepoetin-alfa, darinaparsin, dasatinib, daunorubicin, decitabine,degarelix, denileukin-diftitox, denosumab, deslorelin, dibrospidiumchloride, docetaxel, dovitinib, doxifluridine, doxorubicin, dutasteride,eculizumab, edrecolomab, eflornithine, elliptinium acetate, eltrombopag,endostatin, enocitabine, epimbicin, epirubicin, epitiostanol,epoetin-alfa, epoetin-beta, epothilone, eptaplatin, eribulin, erlotinib,estradiol, estramustine, etoposide, everolimus, exatecan, exemestane,exisulind, fadrozole, fenretinide, filgrastim, finasteride,flavopiridol, fludarabine, 5-fluorouracil, fluoxymesterone, flutamide,foretinib, formestane, fotemustine, fulvestrant, ganirelix, gefitinib,gemcitabine, gemtuzumab, gimatecan, gimeracil, glufosfamide, glutoxim,goserelin, histrelin, hydroxyurea, ibandronic acid,ibritumomab-tiuxetan, idarubicin, ifosfamide, imatinib, imiquimod,improsulfan, intedanib, interferon alpha, interferon alpha 2a,interferon alpha 2b, interferon beta, interferon-gamma, interleukin-2,ipilimumab, irinotecan, ixabepilone, lanreotide, lapatinib,lasofoxifene, lenalidomide, lenograstim, lentinan, lestaurtinib,letrozole, leuprorelin, levamisole, linifanib, linsitinib, lisuride,lobaplatin, lomustine, lonidamine, lurtotecan, mafosfamide, mapatumumab,masitinib, masoprocol, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol, melarsoprol,melphalan, mepitiostane, mercaptopurine, methotrexate,methyl-aminolevulinate, methyltestosterone, mifamurtide, mifepristone,miltefosine, miriplatin, mitobronitol, mitoguazone, mitolactol,mitomycin, mitotane, mitoxantrone, molgramostim, motesanib, nandrolon,nedaplatin, nelarabine, neratinib, nilotinib, nilutamide, nimotuzumab,nimustine, nitracrine, nolatrexed, ofatumumab, oprelvekin, oxaliplatin,paclitaxel, palifermin, pamidronic acid, panitumumab, pazopanib,pegaspargase, PEG-epoetin beta, pegfilgrastim, PEG-interferon alpha-2b,pelitrexol, pemetrexed, pemtumomab, pentostatin, peplomycin,perfosfamide, pertuzumab, picibanil, pirambicin, pirarubicin,plerixafor, plicamycin, poliglusam, polyestradiol phosphate,porfimer-sodium, pralatrexate, prednimustine, procarbazine, procodazole,quinagolide, raloxifene, raltitrexed, ranibizumab, ranimustine,razoxane, regorafenib, risedronic acid, rituximab, romidepsin,romiplostim, rubitecan, saracatinib, sargramostim, satraplatin,selumetinib, sipuleucel-T, sirolimus, sizofiran, sobuzoxane, sorafenib,streptozocin, sunitinib, talaporfin, tamibarotene, tamoxifen,tandutinib, tasonermin, teceleukin, tegafur, telatinib, temoporfin,temozolomide, temsirolimus, teniposide, testolactone, testosterone,tetrofosmin, thalidomide, thiotepa, thymalfasin, tioguanine, tipifarnib,tivozanib, toceranib, tocilizumab, topotecan, toremifene, tositumomab,trabectedin, trastuzumab, treosulfan, tretinoin, triapin, trilostane,trimetrexate, triptorelin, trofosfamide, ubenimex, valrubicin,vandetanib, vapreotide, varlitinib, vatalanib, vemurafenib, vidarabine,vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, vinflunine, vinorelbin,volociximab, vorinostat, zinostatin, zoledronic acid, zorubicin.

Generally, the following aims can be pursued with the combination ofcompounds of the present invention with other agents havinganti-angiogenic, anti-hyperproliferative, cytostatic or cytotoxicaction:

-   -   an improved activity in slowing down the growth of a tumour, in        reducing its size or even in its complete elimination compared        with treatment with an individual active compound;    -   the possibility of employing the chemotherapeutics used in a        lower dosage than in monotherapy;    -   the possibility of a more tolerable therapy with fewer side        effects compared with individual administration;    -   the possibility of treatment of a broader spectrum of tumour        diseases;    -   achievement of a higher rate of response to the therapy;    -   a longer survival time of the patient compared with present-day        standard therapy.

The compounds according to the invention can moreover also be employedin combination with radiotherapy and/or surgical intervention.

The present invention furthermore provides medicaments which comprise atleast one compound according to the invention, conventionally togetherwith one or more inert, non-toxic, pharmaceutically suitable auxiliarysubstances, and the use thereof for the abovementioned purposes.

The compounds according to the invention can act systemically and/orlocally. They can be administered in a suitable manner for this purpose,such as e.g. orally, parenterally, pulmonally, nasally, sublingually,lingually, buccally, rectally, dermally, transdermally, conjunctivally,otically or as an implant or stent.

The compounds according to the invention can be administered in suitableadministration forms for these administration routes.

Administration forms which function according to the prior art, releasethe compounds according to the invention rapidly and/or in a modifiedmanner and contain the compounds according to the invention incrystalline and/or amorphized and/or dissolved form are suitable fororal administration, such as e.g. tablets (non-coated or coated tablets,for example with coatings which are resistant to gastric juice ordissolve in a delayed manner or are insoluble and control the release ofthe compound according to the invention), tablets or films/oblates,films/lyophilisates or capsules which disintegrate rapidly in the oralcavity (for example hard or soft gelatine capsules), sugar-coatedtablets, granules, pellets, powders, emulsions, suspensions, aerosols orsolutions, are suitable for oral administration.

Parenteral administration can be effected with bypassing of anabsorption step (e.g. intravenously, intraarterially, intracardially,intraspinally or intralumbally) or with inclusion of an absorption (e.g.intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intracutaneously, percutaneously orintraperitoneally). Administration forms which are suitable forparenteral administration are, inter alia, injection and infusionformulations in the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsions,lyophilisates or sterile powders.

For the other administration routes e.g. inhalation medicament forms(inter alia powder inhalers, nebulizers), nasal drops, solutions orsprays, tablets, films/oblates or capsules for lingual, sublingual orbuccal administration, suppositories, ear or eye preparations, vaginalcapsules, aqueous suspensions (lotions, shaking mixtures), lipophilicsuspensions, ointments, creams, transdermal therapeutic systems (e.g.patches), milk, pastes, foams, sprinkling powders, implants or stentsare suitable.

Oral or parenteral administration is preferred, in particular oral andintravenous administration.

The compounds according to the invention can be converted into theadministration forms mentioned. This can be effected in a manner knownper se by mixing with inert, non-toxic, pharmaceutically suitableauxiliary substances. These auxiliary substances include inter aliacarrier substances (for example microcrystalline cellulose, lactose,mannitol), solvents (e.g. liquid polyethylene glycols), emulsifiers anddispersing or wetting agents (for example sodium dodecyl sulphate,polyoxysorbitan oleate), binders (for example polyvinylpyrrolidone),synthetic and natural polymers (for example albumin), stabilizers (e.g.antioxidants, such as, for example, ascorbic acid), dyestuffs (e.g.inorganic pigments, such as, for example, iron oxides) and flavourand/or smell correctants.

In general, it has proven advantageous in the case of parenteraladministration to administer amounts of from about 0.001 to 1 mg/kg,preferably about 0.01 to 0.5 mg/kg of body weight to achieve effectiveresults. In the case of oral administration the dosage is about 0.01 to100 mg/kg, preferably about 0.01 to 20 mg/kg and very particularlypreferably 0.1 to 10 mg/kg of body weight.

Nevertheless it may be necessary to deviate from the amounts mentioned,and in particular depending on the body weight, administration route,individual behaviour towards the active compound, nature of theformulation and point in time or interval at which administration takesplace. Thus in some cases it may be sufficient to manage with less thanthe abovementioned minimum amount, while in other cases the upper limitmentioned must be exceeded. In the case where relatively large amountsare administered, it may be advisable to spread these into severalindividual doses over the day.

The following working examples illustrate the invention. The inventionis not limited to the examples.

The percentage data in the following tests and examples are percentagesby weight, unless stated otherwise; parts are parts by weight. Thesolvent ratios, dilution ratios and concentration data of liquid/liquidsolutions in each case relate to the volume.

A. EXAMPLES Abbreviations and Acronyms

-   abs. absolute-   br. broad (in NMR)-   Ex. Example-   Bu butyl-   CI chemical ionization (in MS)-   d doublet (in NMR)-   d day(s)-   DAST diethylaminosulphur trifluoride-   DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene-   TLC thin layer chromatography-   DCI direct chemical ionization (in MS)-   dd doublet of doublet (in NMR)-   DMAP 4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine-   DME 1,2-dimethoxyethane-   DMF N,N-dimethylformamide-   DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide-   dq doublet of quartet (in NMR)-   dt doublet of triplet (in NMR)-   EI electron impact ionization (in MS)-   eq. equivalent(s)-   ESI electrospray ionization (in MS)-   Et ethyl-   GC gas chromatography-   GC/MS gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry-   h hour(s)-   HATU O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyluronium    hexafluorophosphate-   HOBt 1-hydroxy-1H-benzotriazole hydrate-   HPLC high pressure, high performance liquid chromatography-   ^(i)Pr isopropyl-   konz. concentrated-   LC/MS liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry-   Lit. literature (reference)-   m multiplet (in NMR)-   Me methyl-   min minute(s)-   MPLC medium pressure liquid chromatography (on silica gel; also    called “flash chromatography”)-   MS mass spectrometry-   NBS N-bromosuccinimide-   n-Bu n-butyl-   NMM N-methylmorpholine-   NMP N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone-   NMR nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry-   Pd/C palladium on activated carbon-   PEG polyethylene glycol-   PMB para-methoxybenzyl-   Pr propyl-   p-TsOH para-toluenesulphonic acid-   Q-Phos 1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-1′-(di-tert-butylphosphino)ferrocene-   quart quartet (in NMR)-   quint quintet (in NMR)-   R_(f) retention index (in DC)-   RT room temperature-   R_(t) retention time (in HPLC)-   s singlet (in NMR)-   sept septet (in NMR)-   t triplet (in NMR)-   TBTU    N-[(1H-benzotriazol-1-yloxy)(dimethylamino)methylene]-N-methylmethanaminium    tetrafluoroborate-   ^(t)Bu tert-butyl-   TFA trifluoroacetic acid-   THF tetrahydrofuran-   THP tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl-   UV ultraviolet spectrometry-   v/v volume to volume ratio (of a solution)-   xantphos 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene

HPLC, LC/MS and GC/MS Methods: Method 1 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Micromass Quattro Premier with Waters UPLC Acquity; column:Thermo Hypersil GOLD 1.9 μm, 50 mm×1 mm; mobile phase A: 1 l ofwater+0.5 ml of 50% strength formic acid, mobile phase B: 1 l ofacetonitrile+0.5 ml of 50% strength formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90%A→0.1 min 90% A→1.5 min 10% A→2.2 min 10% A; flow rate: 0.33 ml/min;temperature: 50° C.; UV detection: 210 nm.

Method 2 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Micromass Quattro Premier with Waters UPLC Acquity; column:Thermo Hypersil GOLD 1.9 μm, 50 mm×1 mm; mobile phase A: 1 l ofwater+0.5 ml of 50% strength formic acid, mobile phase B: 1 l ofacetonitrile+0.5 ml of 50% strength formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 97%A→0.5 min 97% A→3.2 min 5% A→4.0 min 5% A; flow rate: 0.3 ml/min;temperature: 50° C.; UV detection: 210 nm

Method 3 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Waters Acquity SQD UPLC system; column: Waters Acquity UPLCHSS T3 1.8 μm, 50 mm×1 mm; mobile phase A: 1 l of water+0.25 ml of 99%strength formic acid, mobile phase B: 1 l of acetonitrile+0.25 ml of 99%strength formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90% A→1.2 min 5% A→2.0 min 5% A;flow rate: 0.40 ml/min; temperature: 50° C.; UV detection: 210-400 nm

Method 4 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Waters Acquity SQD UPLC system; column: Waters Acquity UPLCHSS T3 1.8 μm, 30 mm×2 mm; mobile phase A: 1 l of water+0.25 ml of 99%strength formic acid, mobile phase B: 1 l of acetonitrile+0.25 ml of 99%strength formic acid; gradient: 0.0 min 90% A→1.2 min 5% A→2.0 min 5% A;flow rate: 0.60 ml/min; temperature: 50° C.; UV detection: 208-400 nm

Method 5 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC/MS 100-800 Dalton, 20 V (Waters ZQ4000); column: BEH C18 (Waters), 2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.7 μm; mobile phase A:water/0.05% formic acid, mobile phase B: acetonitrile/0.05% formic acid;gradient: 10% B→98% B in 1.7 min, 90% B for 0.2 min, 98% B→2% B in 0.6min; flow rate: 1.3 ml/min; UV detection: 200-400 nm.

Method 6 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC/MS 100-800 Dalton, 20 V (Waters SQD);column: BEH C18 (Waters), 2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.7 μm; mobile phase A:water/0.05% formic acid, mobile phase B: acetonitrile/0.05% formic acid;gradient: 10% B→98% B in 1.7 min, 90% B for 0.2 min, 98% B→2% B in 0.6min; flow rate: 0.8 ml/min; UV detection: 200-400 nm.

Method 7 (LC/MS):

Instrument: Waters Acquity UPLC/MS SQD; column: Acquity UPLC BEH C18,1.7 μm, 50 mm×2.1 mm; mobile phase A: water/0.1% formic acid, mobilephase B: acetonitrile; gradient: 0-1.6 min 1% B→99% B, 1.6-2.0 min 99%B; flow rate: 0.8 ml/min; temperature: 60° C.; UV detection (DAD):210-400 nm

Method 8 (GC/MS):

Instrument: Micromass GCT, GC 6890; column: Restek RTX-35, 15 m×200μm×0.33 μm; constant helium flow: 0.88 ml/min; oven: 70° C.; inlet: 250°C.; gradient: 70° C., 30° C./min→310° C. (maintained for 3 min)

Method 9 (preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 10:90→90:10.

Method 10 (Preparative HPLC):

System: SFC Prep 200; column: 2-ethylpyridine 12μ, 300 mm×100 mm; mobilephase: carbon dioxide/methanol; gradient: 85:15→70:30; total run time 5min.

Method 11 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient:30:70→100:0.

Method 12 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×40 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient:30:70→100:0.

Method 13 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×40 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient:15:85→100:0.

Method 14 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×40 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 30:70→100:0.

Method 15 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 30:70→100:0.

Method 16 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: XBridge C18, 5 μm, 100 mm×30 mm; mobile phase: water with 0.1%formic acid/acetonitrile; gradient: 99:1→1:99.

Method 17 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×40 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 15:85→100:0.

Method 18 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient:20:80→100:0.

Method 19 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 40:60→100:0.

Method 20 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×40 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient:20:80→100:0.

Method 21 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water with 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 50:50→100:0.

Method 22 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Sunfire C18, 5 μm, 75 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water/trifluoroacetic acid 45:50:5 (isocratic).

Method 23 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Sunfire C18, 5 μm, 75 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water; gradient: 20:80→95:5.

Method 24 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: XBridge C18, 5 μm, 150 mm×19 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water/0.2% aq. diethylamine; gradient: 45:50:5→60:35:5.

Method 25 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: GROM-SiL 120 ODS-4HE, 10 μm, 40 mm×250 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water+0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 0-8 min 35%methanol, 8-20 min ramp to 55% methanol, 20-32 min ramp to 70% methanol,then isocratic 70% methanol; flow rate: 50 ml/min.

Method 26 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Interchim Puriflash-SiHC, 120 g cartridge; mobile phase:cyclohexane/ethyl acetate; gradient: 0-8 min isocratic 80:20, 8-25 minramp to 40:60, 25-55 min isocratic 40:60; flow rate: 25 ml/min.

Method 27 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: GROM-SiL 120 ODS-4HE, 10 μm, 30 mm×250 mm; mobile phase:methanol/water+0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 0-3 min 20%methanol, 3-20 min ramp to 50% methanol, 20-45 min isocratic 50%methanol; flow rate: 25 ml/min.

Method 28 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Kromasil C18 5 μm 100A, 30 mm×250 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water+0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 0-15 min 50%acetonitrile, 15-32 min ramp to 70% acetonitrile, 32-50 min isocratic70% acetonitrile; flow rate: 25 ml/min.

Method 29 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Kromasil C18 5 μm 100A, 20 mm×250 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water+0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 0-5 min 30%acetonitrile, 5-20 min ramp to 70% acetonitrile, 20-30 min ramp to 80%acetonitrile, 30-45 min isocratic 80% acetonitrile; flow rate: 12ml/min.

Method 30 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Kromasil C18 5 μm 100A, 20 mm×250 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water+0.05% trifluoroacetic acid; gradient: 0-8 min 10%acetonitrile, 8-15 min ramp to 25% acetonitrile, 15-25 min ramp to 30%acetonitrile, 25-50 min isocratic 30% acetonitrile; flow rate: 15ml/min.

Method 31 (LC/MS):

MS instrument: Waters SQD; HPLC instrument: Waters UPLC; column: ZorbaxSB-Aq (Agilent), 50 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm; mobile phase A: water+0.025%formic acid, mobile phase B: acetonitrile+0.025% formic acid; gradient:0.0 min 98% A→0.9 min 25% A→1.0 min 5% A→1.4 min 5% A→1.41 min 98% A→1.5min 98% A; oven: 40° C.; flow rate: 0.60 ml/min; UV detection (DAD): 210nm

Method 32 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 40:60→100:0 over aperiod of 20 min.

Method 33 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 30:70→95:5 over aperiod of 38 min.

Method 34 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Daicel Chiralpak AZ-H, 5 μm, 250 mm×4.6 mm; mobile phase:isohexane/ethanol with 0.2% diethylamine 50:50 (isocratic).

Method 35 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Sunfire C18, 5 μm, 75 mm×30 mm; mobile phase: acetonitrile/water55:45 (isocratic).

Method 36 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Chromatorex C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 30:70→95:5 over aperiod of 20 min.

Method 37 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Chromatorex C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 20:80→95:5 over aperiod of 20 min.

Method 38 (Preparative HPLC):

Column: Chromatorex C18, 10 μm, 250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase:acetonitrile/water with 0.1% formic acid; gradient: 10:90→95:5 over aperiod of 20 min.

The following descriptions of the coupling patterns of ¹H NMR signalsare based on the optical appearance of the signals in question and donot necessarily correspond to a strict, physically accurateinterpretation. In general, the stated chemical shift refers to thecentre of the signal in question; in the case of broad multiplets, arange is stated.

Melting points and melting ranges are, if stated, uncorrected.

All reactants or reagents whose preparation is not explicitly describedhereinbelow were obtained commercially from generally accessiblesources. For all remaining reactants or reagents whose preparation islikewise not described hereinbelow and which were not commerciallyavailable or which were obtained from sources not generally accessible,a reference to the published literature describing their preparation isgiven.

Starting Materials and Intermediates Example 1A1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-1′-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

Step 1: 1-(Tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile

The reaction was carried out in a 3 litre three-necked flask withinternal thermometer under argon. 50 g (537 mmol) of1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile were suspended in 1.66 litre of methylenechloride and, after 3 h, cooled to 3° C. using an ice bath. At thistemperature, 10.2 g (53.7 mmol) of 4-toluenesulphonic acid monohydratewere added. At 3° to 6° C., 58.8 ml (54.2 g, 644 mmol) of 3,4dihydro-2H-pyran were then added dropwise over a period of 30 min. Thereaction was then stirred at RT overnight. The clear reaction solutionwas then washed with 2 M aqueous sodium carbonate solution and withwater, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. Theresidue was triturated with cyclohexane and the solid obtained wasfiltered off with suction and dried in a vacuum drying cabinet at 30° C.for 4 h. This gave 91.8 g (96% of theory) of the title compound as alight-yellow powder.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 5.50 (dd,J¹=9.66 Hz, J²=2.57 Hz, 1H), 4.02-3.82 (m, 1H), 3.72-3.56 (m, 1H),2.15-1.82 (m, 3H), 1.76-1.40 (m, 4H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.70 min, m/z=178 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:(2E)-3-Amino-3-[1-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]acrylonitrile

Under argon, 2.8 ml (53.6 mmol) of acetonitrile were initially chargedin 150 ml of THF, and 21.4 ml (53.6 mmol) of a 2.5 M solution ofn-butyllithium in n-hexane were added at −70° C. After 15 min at −70°C., a solution of 9.5 g (53.6 mmol) of the compound of Example 1A/Step 1in 20 ml of THF was added a little at a time. The reaction was stirredat −70° C. for 1 h and then at RT for 1 h, 1 ml of water was then addedand the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase wasseparated off, washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, driedover sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The residue wastriturated with tert-butyl methyl ether, and the crystals were filteredoff and dried under reduced pressure. This gave 6.46 g (54% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.36 (s, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 6.64 (s,2H), 5.39 (dd, 1H), 4.29 (s, 1H), 3.91 (d, 1H), 3.70-3.46 (m, 1H),2.16-1.38 (m, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=219 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-1′-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

15.2 g (69.6 mmol) of the compound of Example 1A/Step 2 and 11.4 g (76.6mmol) of (2,2-di-ethoxyethyl)hydrazine were dissolved in 150 ml ofethanol. 0.7 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid were added, and the solutionwas divided into several microwave reactor vessels (20 ml). Each batchwas heated in a single-mode microwave reactor (Biotage Emrys Optimizer)at 120° C. for 1 h. After the reaction had ended the batches werecombined, the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure and theresidue was extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The combinedorganic phases were washed with dilute sodium bicarbonate solution,dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product was purified chromatographically (silicagel, mobile phase gradient cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:1→100% ethylacetate, the column was washed with ethyl acetate/methanol 20:1). Thisgave 17.4 g (67% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 5.47 (s,2H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.78 (s, 1H), 3.92 (d, 3H), 3.73-3.37 (m, 5H), 1.91(br. s, 3H), 1.53 (d, 3H), 1.06 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.79 min, m/z=350 [M+H]⁺.

Example 2A1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

Step 1: 1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile

At 0° C., 1 g (10.7 mmol) of 1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile and 2.4 g (11.8mmol) of 4-methoxybenzyl bromide were initially charged in 22 ml of THF.1.3 g (11.8 mmol) of potassium tert-butoxide were added a little at atime, and the reaction was stirred at RT overnight. The precipitatedsolid was then filtered off, and the mother liquor was freed from thesolvent on a rotary evaporator. The residue was dissolved in ethylacetate and the solution was washed with water and saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated. This gave 2 g (87% of theory) of the title compound, whichwas used without further purification for the subsequent step.

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=6.73 min, m/z=213 [M]⁺.

Step 2:(2E)-3-Amino-3-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]acrylonitrile

105 ml of THF were initially charged and cooled to −70° C. 25.8 ml (41.3mmol) of a 1.6 M solution of n-butyllithium in n-hexane were then added.With vigorous stirring, 2.2 ml (41.3 mmol) of acetonitrile were addeddropwise over a period of 5 min, and the reaction was stirred foranother 10 min. A solution of 8.0 g (37.5 mmol) of the compound ofExample 2A/Step 1 in 4 ml of THF was then added dropwise at −70° C. Thereaction mixture was stirred initially at −70° C. for 30 min and then atRT for 1 h. With ice bath cooling, 12 ml of water were then added, andthe reaction was concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue wastaken up in 100 ml of ethyl acetate, and the solution was washed with ineach case 50 ml of water and saturated sodium chloride solution, driedover sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. The oily residue wasdissolved in 20 ml of methylene chloride, and a little cyclohexane wasadded. Slow concentration at RT under atmospheric pressure resulted inthe formation of a precipitate, which was filtered off. The solid waswashed with n-pentane and dried under reduced pressure. This gave 4.26 g(44.6% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.21 (d,2H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 6.61 (s, 2H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 4.20 (s, 1H), 3.73 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.81 min, m/z=255 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazol-5-amine

1.27 g (4.99 mmol) of the compound of Example 2A/Step 2 and 0.77 g (5.2mmol) of (2,2-di-ethoxyethyl)hydrazine were initially charged in 10.6 mlof ethanol, and 50 μl of 1 M hydrochloric acid were added. The reactionwas stirred at 120° C. in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, withDynamic Field Tuning) for 45 min. The solvent was then removed underreduced pressure. The crude product obtained in this manner (1.87 g, 97%of theory) was used without further purification for subsequentreactions.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=372 [M+H]⁺.

Example 3A1-(1,1-Dimethoxypropan-2-yl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

Step 1: (1,1-Dimethoxypropan-2-yl)hydrazine

6.25 g (34.1 mmol) of 2-bromo-1,1-dimethoxypropane and 6.65 ml (137mmol) of hydrazine hydrate were stirred under reflux in an oil bath at140° C. for 6 h. After cooling, the two-phase reaction mixture wasextracted with 50 ml of tert-butyl methyl ether. The organic phase wasfiltered, the filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and theresidue was dried under high vacuum. This gave 1.89 g (21% of theory) ofa pale yellow oil which was reacted directly, without furtherpurification, in the subsequent reaction.

Step 2:1-(1,1-Dimethoxypropan-2-yl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

1.35 g (5.31 mmol) of the compound of Example 2A/Step 2 and 1.78 g ofthe compound from Example 3A/Step 1 were dissolved in 32 ml of methanoland 53 μl (53 μmol) of 1 M hydrochloric acid were added. The solutionwas divided into two batches and stirred in a microwave oven (BiotageInitiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 120° C. for 15 min. The twobatches were then re-combined and concentrated on a rotary evaporator.The residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 10). This gave 990mg (50% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.22 (d,2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.39 (s, 1H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 4.53 (d,1H), 4.24 (quin, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 1.29 (d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.79 min, m/z=372 [M+H]⁺.

Example 4A 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

With gentle heating, 125 g (812 mmol, purity 95%) of3-oxo-3-(pyridin-3-yl)propionitrile [lit. for example: P. Seneci et al.,Synth. Commun. 1999, 29 (2), 311-341; also available commercially] weredissolved in 1.25 litres of ethanol. 126 g (853 mmol) of(2,2-diethoxyethyl)hydrazine and 4.1 ml (4.06 mmol) of 1 M hydrochloricacid were then added. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 4h, and all volatile components were then substantially removed on arotary evaporator. The residue obtained was taken up in ethyl acetate,and the solution was washed with water and dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulphate. After filtration, the mixture was evaporated todryness. The residue that remained was triturated with diisopropyl etherat RT. The resulting solid was then filtered off with suction and driedunder high vacuum. This gave 153 g (65% of theory, purity 96%) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.88 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.02 (dt,1H), 7.37 (dd, 1H), 5.79 (s, 1H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.85 (t, 1H), 4.02 (d,2H), 3.70-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.48-3.40 (m, 2H), 1.07 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.52 min, m/z=277 [M+H]⁺.

Example 5A6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

In a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning), 155mg (0.40 mmol) of the compound of Example 2A in 0.4 ml of ethanol and0.2 ml of 2 M sulphuric acid were heated at 120° C. for 15 min. Thereaction was then purified directly by preparative HPLC (Method 11). Theproduct fractions were concentrated and the residue was dried under highvacuum. This gave 54 mg (46% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 11.44 (br, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.79 (s,1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 7.22 (s, 1H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 6.03 (s,1H), 5.27 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.72 min, m/z=294 [M+H]⁺.

Example 6A4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Under argon, 155 g (561 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A togetherwith 133 g (617 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene, 12.6 g (56.1 mmol) ofpalladium(II) acetate, 48.7 g (84.1 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 548 g (1683 mmol)of caesium carbonate in 3.1 litres of 1,4-dioxane were heated at reflux.After 4 h, the mixture was cooled to RT and filtered through kieselguhr,and the filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The crudeproduct obtained in this manner was purified by filtration with suctionthrough silica gel (mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/petroleum ether4:1→100% ethyl acetate). The product fractions were combined and freedfrom the solvent on a rotary evaporator. Trituration with diisopropylether at RT, removal of the solid by filtration with suction and dryingunder high vacuum gave 195 g (84% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.52 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt,1H), 7.64-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.46-7.42 (m, 2H), 6.80 (s, 1H),4.90 (t, 1H), 4.18 (d, 2H), 3.64-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.47-3.40 (m, 2H), 2.38(s, 3H), 1.00 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=412 [M+H]⁺, 823 [2M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

496 ml (992 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid were added to a solution of 170g (413 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A/Step 1 in 1.7 litres ofethanol, and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4 h. This resultedin the precipitation of a white solid. After cooling to RT, the solidwas filtered off with suction and washed with a little ethanol. Thesolid was then divided between water and ethyl acetate and theheterogeneous mixture was made neutral to slightly alkaline by additionof dilute aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The organic phase wasseparated off and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. Theresidue obtained was triturated with a little acetonitrile at RT, andthe solid was filtered off with suction and dried under high vacuum.This gave 127 g (93% of theory, 97% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.31 (d,1H), 8.26 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.66 (d,1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 6.46 (s, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=320 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

In two batches, in each case 63.5 g (398 mmol) of the compound ofExample 6A/Step 2 were dissolved in 1.25 litres of ethanol and 6.35 g ofpalladium (10% on activated carbon) were added. The mixture washydrogenated at RT under an atmosphere of hydrogen at atmosphericpressure for 48 h. The mixture was then filtered through a littlekieselguhr to remove the catalyst. The filtrate was concentrated todryness on a rotary evaporator. The crude products of both batches werecombined and, at RT, triturated with diisopropyl ether to which a littleethyl acetate had been added. Removal of the solid by filtration withsuction and drying under high vacuum gave 108 g (94% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt,1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 6.63 (d,1H), 6.59 (dd, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 2.08 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.59 min, m/z=290 [M+H]⁺.

Example 7A4-Methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1′-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

Under argon, 12.3 g (35.2 mmol) of the compound of Example 1A, 9.9 g(45.8 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene, 0.79 g (3.52 mmol) ofpalladium(II) acetate, 22.9 g (70.4 mmol) of caesium carbonate and 2.04g (3.52 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] in 170 ml of1,4-dioxane were heated at reflux for 4 h. After cooling to RT, themixture was filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate wasconcentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was taken up in ethylacetate and the mixture was washed with semiconcentrated sodiumbicarbonate solution and then with concentrated sodium chloridesolution. The organic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate andconcentrated. The crude product was purified chromatographically onsilica gel (mobile phase gradient dichloromethane/ethyl acetate2:1→1:3). This gave 15.9 g (92% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.60 (dd,1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 6.40 (d, 1H), 5.41 (dd,1H), 4.83 (t, 1H), 4.09 (d, 2H), 3.93 (m, 1H), 3.67-3.54 (m, 3H), 3.41(m, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.11 (m, 1H), 1.94 (m, 2H), 1.68 (m, 1H), 1.55(m, 2H), 0.99 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=485 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

The compound from Example 7A/Step 1 (5.5 g, 11.3 mmol) was dissolved in80 ml of ethanol, and 17 ml of 2 M sulphuric acid were added. Thereaction was then divided into five 20 ml-microwave reactor vessels, andeach batch was heated in a single-mode microwave reactor (Biotage EmrysOptimizer) at 120° C. for 15 min. The batches were then combined again,poured into dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extractedtwice with methylene chloride. The combined organic phases were driedover sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated. In four portions, theresidue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 25). This gave 2.1 g(86% pure, 52% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.26-8.22 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 2H), 7.83(d, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 6.00 (s, 1H), 2.43 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=309 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

The compound from Example 7A/Step 2 (906 mg, 2.94 mmol) was dissolved in45 ml of ethanol and 10% Pd/C (272 mg) and cyclohexene (3.30 ml, 32.3mmol) were added under argon. The reaction was heated under reflux for16 h, then filtered off with suction through kieselguhr andconcentrated. The title compound was obtained in a yield of 810 mg (99%of theory).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.80 (s, 2H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.32 (d,1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 6.74 (s, 1H), 6.69 (d, 1H), 5.86 (s, 1H), 2.11 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.58 min, m/z=278 [M+H]⁺.

Example 8A3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylanilinetrifluoroacetate

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

Under argon, a mixture of the compound from Example 2A (2.9 g, 7.5mmol), 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene (2.11 g, 9.78 mmol), palladium(II) acetate(0.17 g, 0.75 mmol), caesium carbonate (4.90 g, 15.1 mmol) and xantphos(4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene; 0.44 g, 0.75 mmol) in37 ml of 1,4-dioxane was divided into several 20 ml-microwave reactorvessels. Each batch was heated in a single-mode microwave reactor(Biotage Emrys Optimizer) at 150° C. for 30 min. The batches weresubsequently combined and filtered through kieselguhr, and the filtratewas concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was taken up inethyl acetate and washed with semiconcentrated sodium bicarbonatesolution and then with concentrated sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate and concentrated.The crude product was purified chromatographically (Method 26). Thisgave 2.74 g (70% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.60 (dd,1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.26 (d, 2H), 6.34 (s,1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.80 (t, 1H), 4.07 (d, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.60-3.52(m, 2H), 3.44-3.36 (m, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 0.98 (t, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.25 min, m/z=521 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazo-[1,2-b]pyrazole

1.70 g (3.27 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A/Step 1 were dissolvedin 12 ml of ethanol. 1.63 ml of 2 M sulphuric acid were added, and themixture was heated in a single-mode microwave reactor (Biotage EmrysOptimizer) at 120° C. for 35 min. After the reaction had ended, themixture was poured into dilute aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution andextracted twice with dichloromethane. The combined organic phases weredried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The title compound was obtained in a yield of 1.32 g (80% oftheory, 85% pure).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.24-8.21 (m, 2H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.82(s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.22 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.98(s, 1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 3.71 (s, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=429 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylanilinetrifluoroacetate

789 mg (1.25 mmol; purity 67%) of the compound from Example 8A/Step 2together with 393 mg (6.23 mmol) of ammonium formate and 16.0 mg (0.02mmol) of 10% palladium on activated carbon were initially charged in 11ml of ethanol and 0.55 ml of water. The reaction was stirred in asingle-mode microwave reactor (Biotage Emrys Optimizer) at 90° C. for 1h. After cooling, insoluble components were filtered off, the filtratewas concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 27). This gave 510 mg (80% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d,1H), 7.35 (d, 1H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 3H), 6.92-6.81 (m, 4H), 5.85 (s, 1H),5.25 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.86 min, m/z=399 [M+H]⁺.

Example 9A3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylaniline

Step 1:1-(1,1-Dimethoxypropan-2-yl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

980 mg (2.64 mmol) of the compound of Example 3A and 627 mg (2.90 mmol)of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene were dissolved in 13 ml of dioxane, themixture was degassed with argon and 59 mg (0.26 mmol) of palladium(II)acetate, 229 mg (0.40 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 2.57 g (7.91 mmol)of caesium carbonate were added. The mixture was heated in a microwaveoven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 150° C. for 30min. The reaction was then filtered through kieselguhr, the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was subjected toflash chromatography on silica gel (mobile phase dichloromethane/ethylacetate 2:1). This gave 980 mg (73% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.57-7.56(m, 2H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H), 7.26 (d, 2H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 6.27(s, 1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 4.53 (d, 1H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.30(s, 3H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.39 (d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.19 min, m/z=507 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

980 mg (385 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A/Step 1 in 9.8 ml ofmethanol together with 1.16 ml (2.32 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid wereheated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic FieldTuning) at 120° C. for 60 min. The reaction was then concentrated underreduced pressure and the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate. Theorganic phase was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution andsaturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate, filteredand concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was dried underhigh vacuum. This gave 792 mg (93% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.21-8.18 (m, 2H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.76(s, 1H), 7.74 (d, 1H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 7.25 (d, 2H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 5.99(s, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.05 min, m/z=443 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylaniline

790 mg (1.78 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A/Step 2, 563 mg (8.93mmol) of ammonium formate and 23 mg (0.02 mmol) of palladium (10% oncarbon) in 9.6 ml of ethanol and 0.5 ml of water were heated underreflux for 1.5 h. The mixture was then concentrated under reducedpressure, the residue was suspended in dichloromethane, sodium sulphatewas added and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 740 mg (96% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d,2H), 7.01 (m, 2H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 6.57 (d, 1H), 6.53 (dd, 1H), 5.82 (s,1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 5.17 (br, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.07 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=413 [M+H]⁺.

Example 10A4-Methoxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

200 mg (0.72 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A together with 201 mg(0.87 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitroanisole were dissolved in 3.6 ml ofdioxane, the mixture was degassed with argon and 16 mg (0.07 mmol) ofpalladium(II) acetate, 63 mg (0.11 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 589 mg (1.81 mmol)of caesium carbonate were added. The mixture was heated in a microwaveoven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 150° C. for 30min. The reaction was then filtered through kieselguhr, the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was separated bypreparative HPLC (Method 12) into its components. The product-containingfractions were combined and, under reduced pressure, concentrated almostcompletely. The residue was made alkaline with a little saturatedaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The precipitate formed was filteredoff, washed with water and dried. This gave 210 mg (92% pure, 62% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=2.15 min, m/z=428 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

A solution of 210 mg (0.49 mmol) of the compound of Example 10A/Step 1in 4.8 ml of ethanol and 0.49 ml (0.98 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid washeated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic FieldTuning) at 120° C. for 15 min. The reaction was then purified directlyby preparative HPLC (Method 12). The product-containing fractions werecombined and concentrated almost completely under reduced pressure. Theresidue was made alkaline with a little saturated aqueous sodiumbicarbonate solution, and the precipitate formed was filtered off,washed with water and dried. This gave 112 mg (89% pure, 61% of theory)of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=336 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methoxyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

110 mg (89% pure, 0.29 mmol) of the compound of Example 10A/Step 2, 92mg (1.46 mmol) of ammonium formate and 31 mg (0.1 mmol) of palladium(10% on carbon) in 9.7 ml ethanol and 0.97 ml of water were heated underreflux for 15 min. The mixture was then concentrated under reducedpressure, the residue was suspended in dichloromethane, sodium sulphatewas added and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 46 mg (50% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.52 min, m/z=306 [M+H]⁺.

Example 11A2,4-Dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Variant A:

200 mg (0.72 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A together with 200 mg(0.87 mmol) of 1-bromo-2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrobenzene were reacted andworked up analogously to the procedure of Example 10A/Step 1. This gave200 mg (86% pure, 56% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=426 [M+H]⁺.

Variant B:

1.02 g (3.68 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A together with 931 mg(4.05 mmol) of 1-bromo-2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrobenzene were dissolved in 15ml of dioxane, the mixture was degassed with argon and 83 mg (0.37 mmol)of palladium(II) acetate, 319 mg (0.55 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 3.60 g (11.0 mmol)of caesium-carbonate were added. The mixture was heated in a microwaveoven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 140° C. for 60min. The crude products of three identical reactions of this kind werecombined and then filtered through kieselguhr. The filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was separated intoits components by MPLC (silica gel, mobile phase cyclohexane/ethylacetate 1:1→1:2). The product-containing fractions were combined andconcentrated to dryness under reduced pressure. This gave a total of4.18 g (89% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.02 (m, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.07 (dt,1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.33 (dd, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 6.66 (s, 1H), 6.41 (s,1H), 4.81 (t, 1H), 4.27 (d, 2H), 3.88-3.80 (m, 2H), 3.66-3.58 (m, 2H),2.52 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=426 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,4-Dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Variant A:

A solution of 195 mg (86% pure, 0.40 mmol) of the compound of Example11A/Step 1 in 3.9 ml of ethanol and 0.39 ml (0.78 mmol) of 2 M sulphuricacid was heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with DynamicField Tuning) at 120° C. for 15 min. The reaction was then stirred into50 ml of ethyl acetate. The mixture was washed with saturated aqueouspotassium carbonate solution and saturated aqueous sodium chloridesolution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. Drying of the residue under reduced pressure gave 136mg (85% pure, 88% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.89 min, m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Variant B:

A solution of 4.17 g (9.81 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A/Step 1in 42 ml of ethanol and 9.8 ml (19.6 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid wasdivided into four microwave reaction vessels which were then each heatedin a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at130° C. for 15 min. The contents of the four reaction vessels were thenstirred into about 100 ml of water. By addition of saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution the aqueous phase was adjusted to a neutralpH. The mixture was then extracted repeatedly with ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodiumchloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue obtained was trituratedwith a little acetonitrile and filtered off again, and the solid wasdried under high vacuum. This gave 2.8 g (85% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.05 (m, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt,1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd,1H), 6.42 (s, 1H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.84 min, m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2,4-Dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Variant A:

135 mg (85% pure, 0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A/Step 2 wereconverted analogously to the procedure of Example 10A/Step 3 into 110 mg(87% pure, 92% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.17 (dt,1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.42-7.37 (m, 2H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 6.25(s, 1H), 4.99 (s, 2H), 2.09 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.63 min, m/z=304 [M+H]⁺.

Variant B:

2.78 g (8.34 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A/Step 2, 2.63 g (41.7mmol) of ammonium formate and 107 mg (0.10 mmol) of palladium (10% oncarbon) in 55 ml of ethanol and 5.5 ml of water were heated under refluxfor 2.5 h. The catalyst was then filtered off through kieselguhr and thefiltrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was takenup in dichloromethane and washed successively with saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated aqueous sodium chloridesolution. After drying with anhydrous magnesium sulphate the mixture wasfiltered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Theresidue was dried under high vacuum. This gave 2.18 g (86% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.52 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt,1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 6.87 (d, 1H), 6.69 (s,1H), 5.97 (s, 1H), 3.67 (br. s, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.68 min, m/z=304 [M+H]⁺.

Example 12A2-Fluoro-4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1: 1-Bromo-4-fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrobenzene

2.21 g (16.7 mmol) of nitronium tetrafluoroborate were suspended in 30ml of dichloromethane. A solution of 3.0 g (15.9 mmol) of2-bromo-5-fluorotoluene in 30 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwiseunder reflux. The mixture was then stirred under reflux for another 6 h.The mixture was then poured onto ice and extracted with dichloromethane,and the organic phase was washed with water, dried over sodium sulphateand concentrated on a rotary evaporator. This gave a yellow oil whichformed crystals overnight. These were separated off, washed with 2 ml ofpentane and dried. This gave 265 mg (6.9% of theory) of the titlecompound.

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=4.49 min, m/z=232/234 [M]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(4-fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

250 mg (0.91 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A together with 254 mg(1.09 mmol) of the compound of Example 12A/Step 1 were reacted andworked up analogously to the procedure of Example 10A/Step 1. Indeviation from this procedure, the product-containing fractions whichhad been obtained after preparative HPLC, concentrated to a residualvolume and made alkaline with a little saturated sodium bicarbonatesolution were extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washedsaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Drying of the residuegave 120 mg (85% pure, 26% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=430 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:1-(4-Fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

A solution of 120 mg (85% pure, 0.28 mmol) of the compound of Example12A/Step 2 in 2.8 ml of ethanol and 0.28 ml (0.56 mmol) of 2 M sulphuricacid was heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with DynamicField Tuning) at 120° C. for 30 min. The reaction was then concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in ethyl acetate.The mixture was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonatesolution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated underreduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 85 mg (90% pure, 81% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.28 (d,1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd,1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 2.39 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.81 min, m/z=338 [M+H]⁺.

Step 4:2-Fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

80 mg (0.23 mmol) of the compound of Example 12A/Step 3 were reactedanalogously to the procedure of Example 10A/Step 3 to give 65 mg (94%pure, 84% of theory) of the title compound. Here, in deviation from theprocedure, the mixture was stirred under reflux for 30 min (instead of15 min)

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt,1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.43-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 6.28(s, 1H), 5.29 (br, 2H), 2.07 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.67 min, m/z=308 [M+H]⁺.

Example 13A4-Fluoro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-fluoro-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Under nitrogen, 576 mg (2.08 mmol) of the compound of Example 4Atogether with 504 mg (2.29 mmol) of 2-bromo-1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene,49.8 mg (0.21 mmol) of palladium(II) acetate, 181 mg (0.31 mmol) ofxantphos [4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 2.04 g(6.25 mmol) of caesium carbonate in 8.6 ml of 1,4-dioxane were heatedunder reflux for 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was filtered throughCelite, the filter cake was washed with dioxane and the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product obtained in thismanner was combined with the crude product from a test reaction carriedout analogously starting with 100 mg (0.36 mmol) of the compound ofExample 4A and the combined products were purified on a Biotage system(100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 0%ethyl acetate increasing slowly to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethylacetate/methanol, increasing slowly to 80% methanol). This gave 342 mg(38% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.36 (s,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.62-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.38-7.53 (m, 2H), 6.85 (s, 1H),4.84 (t, 1H), 4.17 (d, 2H), 3.56 (dq, 2H), 3.39 (dq, 2H), 0.95 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.18 min, m/z=416 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Fluoro-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

0.99 ml (1.97 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid was added to a solution of 341mg (0.82 mmol) of the compound of Example 13A/Step 1 in 10 ml of ethanoland the mixture was then heated in a microwave reactor at 130° C. for 30min After cooling, the reaction mixture was added to 15 ml of saturatedaqueous potassium carbonate solution and stirred. The mixture wasextracted twice with in each case 50 ml of ethyl acetate, and thecombined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium chloridesolution. After drying over sodium sulphate and filtration, the mixturewas concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product obtained inthis manner was purified on a Biotage system (50 g Snap column; mobilephase gradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 0% ethyl acetate increasingsteadily to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, increasingslowly to 80% methanol). This gave 198 mg (67% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.52 (dd, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.29 (ddd, 1H), 8.18 (dt, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 7.82 (dd, 1H), 7.76(dd, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.61 (d, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.87 min, m/z=324 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Fluoro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

13 mg of palladium (10% on activated carbon) were added to a solution of198 mg (0.61 mmol) of the compound of Example 13A/Step 2 in a mixture of7.55 ml of ethanol and 0.38 ml of water. After addition of 193 mg (3.1mmol) of ammonium formate, the reaction mixture was heated under refluxfor 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was filtered off, the filtrate wasdiluted with ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed withsaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. After drying over sodiumsulphate and filtration, the mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure. The crude product obtained in this manner of the titlecompound (149 mg, 70% of theory) was reacted further without additionalpurification.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.46 (dd, 1H), 8.16 (dt,1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.51 (t, 1H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 7.11 (dd, 1H), 6.82 (dd,1H), 6.46-6.54 (m, 2H), 5.28 (br. s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.74 min, m/z=294 [M+H]⁺.

Example 14A2-Methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(4-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, a test reaction of 200 mg (0.72 mmol)and the main reaction of 1.76 g (6.37 mmol) of the compound of Example4A and 172 mg (0.80 mmol) and 1.51 g (7.01 mmol), respectively, of4-bromo-2-nitrotoluene gave 1.11 g (40% of theory) of the title compoundand 842 mg (29% of theory) of a slightly impure batch of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.40 (s,1H), 8.12 (dt, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1H), 7.17 (dd,1H), 6.70 (s, 1H), 4.85 (t, 1H), 4.14 (d, 2H), 3.57 (dq, 2H), 3.36 (dq,2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 0.96 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.19 min, m/z=412 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(4-Methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, a test reaction of 841 mg (2.04 mmol)and the main reaction of 1.1 g (2.67 mmol) of the compound of Example14A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was initially purified on aBiotage system (100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient hexane/ethylacetate, from 0% ethyl acetate increasing steadily to 100% ethylacetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, from 0% methanol increasing slowlyto 80% methanol). This gave 623 mg (69% of theory) of the title compoundand material which was still impure. The impure material was purifiedonce more by chromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanol, from 0% methanolincreasing slowly to 80% methanol). This gave a further 225 mg (25% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.08 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.18-8.24(m, 2H), 8.07 (d, 1H), 7.99 (d, 1H), 7.96 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.43(ddd, 1H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 2.49 (s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=320 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2-Methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, a test reaction of 225 mg (0.71 mmol)and the main reaction of 622 mg (1.95 mmol) of the compound of Example14A/Step 2 gave a crude product of the title compound (730 mg, 95% oftheory) which was reacted further without additional purification.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.17 (dt,1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 6.94 (d,1H), 6.73-6.78 (m, 2H), 5.13 (br. s, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=290 [M+H]⁺.

Example 15A 3-Bromo-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

150 g (604 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid [lit. e.g.:C. Zarantonello et al., J. Fluorine Chem. 2007, 128 (12), 1449-1453; WO2005/047240-A1; also available commercially] were initially charged in300 ml of trifluoroacetic acid, and 90 ml of concentrated sulphuric acidwere added. 161.4 g (907 mmol) of N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) were added tothe resulting clear solution. The reaction mixture was then stirred at atemperature of 50° C. overnight (about 18 h). After cooling to RT, themixture was carefully stirred into about 2.25 litres of ice water. Theprecipitated product was filtered off with suction, washed with waterand dried under high vacuum. This gave 193 g (96% of theory, 98% pure)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.03 (br, 1H), 8.47 (t, 1H), 8.32 (t,1H), 8.26 (dd, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.99 min, m/z=325/327 [M−H]⁻.

Example 16A3-[4-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)piperazin-1-yl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

3.0 g (9.2 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A and 2.05 g (11.0 mmol)of tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate were initially charged in 80 mlof toluene and the mixture was degassed with argon. 135 mg (0.18 mmol)of[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl](chloro)palladiumdicyclohexyl-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane/tert-butylmethyl ether adduct, 87.5 mg (0.18 mmol) ofdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane and 2.1 g(22.0 mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide were added successively to thissolution. The mixture was stirred at 110° C. for 3 h. After this,another 67.8 mg (0.09 mmol) of[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl](chloro)palladiumdicyclohexyl-(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane/tert-butylmethyl ether adduct and 43.8 mg (0.09 mmol) ofdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane were added andthe mixture was stirred at 110° C. for a further 3 h. The hot mixturewas then filtered through kieselguhr, and the mother liquor wasconcentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was suspended in 50 mlof pH 7 buffer solution and the precipitated solid was filtered off. Thefilter cake was washed with water and dried under reduced pressure. Theresidue was triturated with 20 ml of methylene chloride, the suspensionwas filtered again and the filter cake was once more dried under reducedpressure. This gave 2.98 g (72% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.22 (s,1H), 3.47 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.19 min, m/z=433 [M+H]⁺.

Example 17A3-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidtrifluoroacetate

2.5 g (7.6 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A and 0.92 g (9.17 mmol)of 1-methylpiperazine were dissolved in 50 ml of toluene and the mixturewas degassed with argon. 126 mg (0.15 mmol) of[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl](chloro)palladium-dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane/tert-butylmethyl ether adduct, 73 mg (0.15 mmol) ofdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane and 1.76 g(18.3 mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide were added successively to thissolution. The reaction was stirred under reflux for 4 h and thenfiltered through kieselguhr whilst still hot, and the filtrate wasconcentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue was suspended in 10 mlof tert-butyl methyl ether and extracted twice with in each case 15 mlof 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. The aqueous phase wasneutralized with concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated on arotary evaporator, and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC(Method 13). This gave 1.06 g (30% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.73 (s, 2H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 3.60-3.20(br, 8H), 2.85 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.57 min, m/z=347 [M+H]⁺.

Example 18A 3-(Morpholin-4-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

1.5 g (4.6 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A and 0.48 g (5.5 mmol) ofmorpholine were dissolved in 15 ml of toluene, and the mixture wasdegassed with argon. 75 mg (0.09 mmol) of[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl](chloro)palladium-dicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane/tert-butylmethyl ether adduct, 44 mg (0.09 mmol) ofdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane and 1.06 g(11.0 mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide were added successively to thissolution. The reaction was stirred in a microwave oven (BiotageInitiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 130° C. for 30 min. Thereaction was then stirred into 10 ml of saturated aqueous sodiumchloride solution and extracted twice with in each case 30 ml of ethylacetate. The organic phase was washed with pH 4 buffer solution, driedover sodium sulphate and concentrated on a rotary evaporator. Theresidue was dissolved in 5 ml of tert-butyl methyl ether, and 10 ml ofpentane were added. The precipitate formed was filtered off and dried.This gave 1.04 g (68% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.35 (s,1H), 3.75 (m, 4H), 3.20 (m, 4H).

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=0.91 min; MS (ESIpos): m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Example 19A 3-(2-Hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

Under argon, 7.6 g (23.3 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A weredissolved in 76 ml of THF, and a few granules of 4 Å molecular sievewere added. The mixture was then cooled to 0° C., and 53.7 ml (69.8mmol) of a 1.3 M solution of 2-propylmagnesium chloride/lithium chloridecomplex in THF were slowly added dropwise. After the addition had ended,the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C. for another 30 min. 2.6 ml(34.9 mmol) of anhydrous acetone were then added, and the reaction wasstirred at 0° C. for another 1 h. 90 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid werethen added, and the reaction was allowed to slowly warm to RT over aperiod of 40 min. The mixture was then extracted three times with ethylacetate. The combined organic phases were washed with saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated. The residue was triturated with petroleum ether with alittle diethyl ether added, filtered off and dried. This gave 5.8 g (80%of theory) of the title compound as a white solid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s,1H), 5.54 (s, 1H), 1.48 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=0.89 min; MS (ESIneg): m/z=305 [M−H]⁻.

Example 20A3-[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-3-hydroxyazetidin-3-yl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

Analogously to the procedure for Example 19A, 250 mg (0.76 mmol) of thecompound of Example 15A and 0.25 ml (1.15 mmol) of tert-butyl3-oxoazetidine-1-carboxylate gave, after purification by preparativeHPLC (Method 27), 65 mg (20% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.82 (br, 1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.22 (s,1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 4.09 (quart, 4H), 1.43 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=1.01 min; MS (ESIneg): m/z=418 [M−H]⁻.

Example 21A 3-tert-Butyl-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)benzoic acidtrifluoroacetate

500 mg (1.9 mmol) of 3-bromo-5-tert-butylbenzoic acid and 233 mg (2.3mmol) of 1-methylpiperazine were initially charged in 12.7 ml oftoluene, and the mixture was degassed with argon. 32.2 mg (0.04 mmol) of[2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl](chloro)palladiumdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphan/tert-butylmethyl ether adduct, 18.5 mg (0.04 mmol) ofdicyclohexyl(2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-2-yl)phosphane and 448.5 mg(4.7 mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide were added successively to thissolution. The reaction mixture was stirred in a microwave oven (BiotageInitiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 130° C. for 30 min. Thereaction was then filtered whilst still hot and the residue was washedthoroughly with toluene. The combined filtrates were concentrated underreduced pressure and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC(Method 13). This gave 255 mg (34% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.94 (br, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.34 (s,1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 3.91 (br, 2H), 3.53 (br, 2H), 3.17 (br, 2H), 2.99(br, 2H), 2.88 (s, 3H), 1.29 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=0.64 min; MS (ESIpos): m/z=277 (M+H)⁺.

Example 22A 3-tert-Butyl-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoic acidtrifluoroacetate

Step 1: 3-tert-Butyl-5-formylbenzoic acid

0.38 g (1.7 mmol) of methyl 3-tert-butyl-5-formylbenzoate [for thepreparation, see, for example, WO 2008/089034-A2, intermediate K/step 1]were initially charged in 20 ml of water, 0.5 g of lithium hydroxidemonohydrate were added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h. Thereaction solution was then adjusted to pH 2 with 1 M hydrochloric acidand extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried oversodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator. Thisgave 0.31 g (87% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.46-13.20 (m, 1H), 10.10 (s, 1H),8.28 (s, 1H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 1.36 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=0.92 min; MS (ESIpos): m/z=207 (M+H)⁺.

Step 2: 3-tert-Butyl-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoic acidtrifluoroacetate

500 mg (2.4 mmol) of the compound of Example 22A/Step 1 were initiallycharged in 24 ml of methylene chloride, and 258 mg (3.6 mmol) ofpyrrolidine, 719 mg (3.4 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride and 1 ml(17.5 mmol) of acetic acid were added in succession. The reaction wasstirred at RT for 2 h. A little water was then added, and the mixturewas concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method13). This gave 560 mg (62% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.96 (s, 1H), 7.83 (s,1H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 3.11 (br, 2H), 2.02 (br, 2H), 1.89 (br, 2H), 1.33 (s,9H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3): R_(t)=0.64 min; MS (ESIpos): m/z=262 (M+H)⁺.

Example 23A 3-Cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

200 mg (0.61 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A were dissolved in 2.0ml of DMF, and the mixture was degassed with argon. After addition of 79mg (0.67 mmol) of zinc cyanide and 42 mg (0.04 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), the reaction was stirred in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 120° C.for 30 min. After cooling, solid components were filtered off and thefiltrate was separated into its components by preparative HPLC (Method15). Concentration of the product fractions and drying of the residueunder high vacuum gave 115 mg (88% pure, 61% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.18 (br, 1H), 8.89 (t, 1H), 8.60 (t,1H), 8.50 (t, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.83 min, m/z=272 [M−H]⁻.

Example 24A 3-Hydroxy-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

2.0 g (6.11 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A were dissolved in 20 mlof dioxane and 2 ml of water, the mixture was degassed with argon, 280mg (0.31 mmol) of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, 325 mg (0.76mmol) of 2-di-tert-butylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-1,1′-biphenyland 1.37 g (24.5 mmol) of powdered potassium hydroxide were added andthe mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 2 h. The reaction was thenstirred into 50 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid and extracted twice with ineach case 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases werewashed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodiumsulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue wassuspended in dichloromethane/pentane (9:1), the solid was filtered offand the filter cake was dried under high vacuum. This gave 980 mg (59%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.58 (br, 1H), 10.74 (s, 1H), 7.74(s, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.46 (t, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=263 [M−H]⁻.

Example 25A 3-Methoxy-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

150 mg (0.57 mmol) of the compound of Example 24A were dissolved in 1.5ml of methanol, 0.25 ml (1.14 mmol) of a 25% strength solution of sodiummethoxide in methanol and 0.04 ml (0.62 mmol) of methyl iodide wereadded and the mixture was heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator,with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 120° C. for 30 min. After cooling, thereaction was acidified with 1 M hydrochloric acid and concentratedslightly on a rotary evaporator. The precipitate formed was filteredoff, washed with water and dried under high vacuum. This gave 96 mg (94%pure, 57% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=277 [M−H]⁻.

Example 26A3-(2-Methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

1.0 g (3.06 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A and 276 mg (3.36 mmol)of 2-methylimidazole were dissolved in 20 ml of DMF and 2 ml of water,and the mixture was degassed with argon. 2.06 g (6.42 mmol) oftetraethylammonium bicarbonate were added carefully, followed by 232 mg(1.22 mmol) of copper(I) iodide and 177 mg (1.22 mmol) of8-hydroxyquinoline. The mixture was heated in a microwave oven (BiotageInitiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 160° C. for 60 min. Thereaction was then filtered, and the filtrate was adjusted at pH 1 withconcentrated hydrochloric acid and concentrated under reduced pressure.The residue was separated into its components by preparative HPLC(Method 17). Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of theresidue under high vacuum gave 238 mg (94% pure, 22% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.61 (t, 1H), 8.48 (t, 1H), 8.45 (t,1H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 2.54 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.57 min, m/z=329 [M+H]⁺.

Example 27A 3-tert-Butyl-5-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzoic acid

Analogously to the procedure for Example 26A, 500 mg (1.95 mmol) of3-bromo-5-tert-butylbenzoic acid and 175 mg (2.14 mmol) of2-methylimidazole gave 405 mg (56% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.15 (t, 1H), 7.97-7.93 (m, 3H), 7.78(d, 1H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.56 min, m/z=259 [M+H]⁺.

Example 28A 3-tert-Butyl-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzoic acid

3.0 g (12.7 mmol) of 3-tert-butyl-5-(methoxycarbonyl)benzoic acid weredissolved in 40 ml of abs. THF. With ice bath cooling, 12.7 ml of a 3 Msolution of methylmagnesium bromide in THF were added dropwise and themixture was stirred without cooling for another 1 h. A further 12.7 mlof methylmagnesium bromide solution were then added, and the mixture wasstirred at RT for another 1 h. Another 12.7 ml of methylmagnesiumbromide solution were then added, and the mixture was stirred at RT foranother 72 h. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution was thenadded, and the mixture was adjusted to pH 1 with concentratedhydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and theorganic phase was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue wasseparated into its components by preparative HPLC (Method 15). Theproduct fractions were freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator andthe residue was dried under high vacuum. This gave 1.40 g (47% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.83 (br, 1H), 7.87 (t, 1H), 7.80 (t,1H), 7.76 (t, 1H), 5.14 (br, 1H), 1.44 (s, 6H), 1.31 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.84 min, m/z=235 [M−H]⁻.

Example 29A3-{2-[(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino]ethoxy}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

150 mg (0.57 mmol) of the compound of Example 24A, 140 mg (0.63 mmol) oftert-butyl-(2-bromoethyl)carbamate and 388 mg (1.2 mmol) of caesiumcarbonate were initially charged in 1.5 ml of DMF and stirred at RTovernight. 1.7 ml of 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were thenadded, and the mixture was stirred at RT for another 1 h. The reactionmixture was then acidified slightly with concentrated acetic acid andpurified directly by preparative HPLC (Method 18). This gave 63 mg (26%of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=408 [M+H]⁺.

Example 30A3-{3-[(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)amino]propoxy}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

Under argon, 1.25 g (4.73 mmol) of the compound of Example 24A werecombined with 1.46 g (6.2 mmol) of tert-butyl(3-bromopropyl)carbamateand 4.62 g (14.2 mmol) of caesium carbonate in 25 ml of DMF and stirredat RT until the reaction had gone to completion. The reaction was thenacidified with 4 M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate.The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up in 25 mlof THF and 12 ml of water and, after addition of 596 mg (14.2 mmol) oflithium hydroxide monohydrate, stirred at 40° C. for 4 h. After thereaction had ended, water and ethyl acetate were added and the mixturewas adjusted to pH 2 with 1 M hydrochloric acid. The organic phase wasseparated off, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentratedon a rotary evaporator. The crude product was purified by preparativeHPLC (Method 19). This gave 1.64 g (92% pure, 76% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.73 (br, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.68 (s,1H), 7.64 (t, 1H), 6.92 (t, 1H), 4.13 (t, 2H), 3.10 (quart, 2H), 1.85(quint, 2H), 1.36 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=422 [M+H]⁺.

Example 31A3-{[1-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)azetidin-3-yl]oxy}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

100 mg (0.38 mmol) of the compound of Example 24A and 104 mg (0.42 mmol)of tert-butyl 3-[(methylsulphonyl)oxy]azetidine-1-carboxylate togetherwith 259 mg (0.80 mmol) of caesium carbonate were initially charged in 1ml of DMF and stirred at 90° C. overnight. The mixture was then stirredinto 10 ml of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate.The organic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution,dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Thisgave 60 mg (88% pure, 33% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.80 (br, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.63 (t,1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 5.23 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.85 (m, 2H), 1.39 (s,9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=418 [M−H]⁻.

Example 32A 3-(Methylsulphonyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

A mixture of 250 mg (0.764 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A, 86 mg(0.841 mmol) of sodium methanesulphinate, 19 mg (0.168 mmol) of(S)-proline and 23 mg (0.168 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 3 ml ofDMSO/water (4:1) was initially degassed, 16 mg (0.084 mmol) of copper(I)iodide were then added and the mixture was finally, under an argonatmosphere, heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with DynamicField Tuning) at 150° C. for 30 min. After cooling to RT, the reactionmixture was filtered through a little Celite and then separated into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 9). Concentration of the productfractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 83 mg (33% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.27 (br, 1H), 8.65 (t, 1H), 8.62 (t,1H), 8.56 (dd, 1H), 3.46 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=325 [M−H]⁻.

Example 33A 3-Chloro-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

A solution of 250 mg (0.764 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A in 3 mlof anhydrous DMF was initially degassed, 378 mg (3.82 mmol) of copper(I)chloride and 73 mg (0.382 mmol) of copper(I) iodide were then added andthe mixture was finally, under an argon atmosphere, heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 150° C.for 60 min. After cooling to RT, the reaction mixture was filteredthrough a little Celite and then separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 9). Concentration of the product fractions anddrying of the residue under high vacuum gave 127 mg (59% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.04 (br, 1H), 8.40 (t, 1H), 8.22(dd, 1H), 8.20 (t, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=281/283 [M−H]⁻.

Example 34A 3-Methyl-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

1.15 ml (2.29 mmol) of a 2 M solution of trimethylaluminium in a hexanefraction were added to a solution of 250 mg (0.764 mmol) of the compoundof Example 15A and 27 mg (0.023 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in 2.5 ml of anhydrous THF, andthe mixture was then, under an argon atmosphere, heated in a microwaveoven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 150° C. for 120min. After cooling to RT, about 10 ml of water were added, and thereaction mixture was extracted three times with in each case about 10 mlof ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate, filtered and then concentrated to dryness on a rotaryevaporator. The product was isolated by preparative HPLC (Method 9).Concentration of the product fractions and drying of the residue underhigh vacuum gave 98 mg (47% of theory, 95% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.64 (very broad, 1H), 8.09 (br, 1H),8.04 (br, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=261 [M−H]⁻.

Example 35A3-{[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl](methyl)amino}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoicacid dihydrochloride

Step 1:3-{[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl](methyl)amino}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile

500 mg (2.64 mmol) of 3-fluoro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, 338 mg(2.91 mmol) of N,N,N′-trimethylpropane-1,3-diamine and 767 mg (5.52mmol) of potassium carbonate in 5.0 ml of DMSO were stirred at 110° C.for 8 h. The reaction mixture was then separated directly into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 12). The product fractions werefreed from the solvent, the residue was suspended in ethyl acetate andthe suspension was washed successively with saturated aqueous potassiumcarbonate solution and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated. This gave290 mg (38% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.31 (s, 1H), 7.21 (s,1H), 3.44 (t, 2H), 2.97 (s, 3H), 2.18 (t, 3H), 2.12 (s, 6H), 1.62(quint, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.72 min, m/z=286 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:3-{[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl](methyl)amino}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoicacid dihydrochloride

280 mg (0.98 mmol) of the compound of Example 35A/Step 1 were initiallycharged in 2.5 ml of semiconcentrated hydrochloric acid and heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 140° C.for 60 min. After the reaction had ended, the mixture was concentratedand the residue was dried under reduced pressure. This gave 370 mg (99%of theory) of the title compound.

Example 36A 3-Formyl-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

With ice bath cooling, 11.5 ml (23 mmol) of a 2 M solution of2-propylmagnesium chloride in diethyl ether were added dropwise to asolution of 3.0 g (9.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A in 1.6 mlof abs. THF. After the addition had ended, stirring was continuedwithout cooling for another 30 min 1.76 ml (22.9 mmol) of DMF were addedwith ice bath cooling, and the mixture was stirred without cooling for afurther 30 min. 20 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid were then added, and themixture was extracted with 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phasewas washed with 1 M hydrochloric acid and saturated sodium chloridesolution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated todryness on a rotary evaporator. The residue was suspended in 50 ml ofdichloromethane/pentane (1:1) and the solid was filtered off and dried.Any contaminations present were removed by preparative HPLC (Method 22).This gave 780 mg (31% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.06 (br, 1H), 10.17 (s, 1H), 8.66(s, 1H), 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.52 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.87 min, m/z=275 [M−H]⁻.

Example 37A 3-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

54 mg (0.49 mmol) of 3-hydroxyazetidine hydrochloride, 97 mg (0.46 mmol)of sodium triacetoxyborohydride and 0.13 ml (2.35 mmol) of acetic acidwere added in succession to a solution of 90 mg (0.32 mmol) of thecompound of Example 36A in 3.2 ml of dichloromethane, and the mixturewas stirred at RT for 1 h. A little water was then added, and themixture was concentrated on a rotary evaporator. The residue waspurified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Evaporation of the appropriatefractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 60 mg (66% oftheory) of the title compound as the product of the reaction.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.68 (br, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s,1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 5.62 (br, 1H), 4.67 (s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=277 [M−H]⁻.

Example 38A3-(Pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoic acidtrifluoroacetate

0.03 ml (0.36 mmol) of pyrrolidine and 0.001 ml (0.018 mmol) of aceticacid were added to a solution of 50 mg (0.18 mmol) of the compound ofExample 36A in 1.8 ml of abs. THF, and the mixture was stirred at RT for1 h. 54 mg (0.25 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride were then added,and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. A little water was thenadded, and the mixture was concentrated on a rotary evaporator. Theresidue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Evaporation of theproduct fractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 70 mg(87% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.53 min, m/z=332 [M+H]⁺.

Example 39A3-{[(3S)-3-Hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl]methyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid trifluoroacetate

Analogously to the procedure for Example 38A, 100 mg (0.36 mmol) of thecompound of Example 36A and 63 mg (0.72 mmol) of(S)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine gave 140 mg (84% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.48 min, m/z=348 [M+H]⁺.

Example 40A3-[(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid trifluoroacetate

Analogously to the procedure for Example 38A, 150 mg (0.54 mmol) of thecompound of Example 36A and 109 mg (1.09 mmol) of N-methylpiperazinegave 205 mg (80% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.80 (br, 1H), 9.52 (br, 1H), 8.21(s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 3.79 (s, 2H), 3.38 (m, 2H), 3.06(m, 2H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 2.79 (m, 3H), 2.37 (m, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.60 min, m/z=361 [M+H]⁺.

Example 41A 3-Cyano-5-(trifluoromethoxy)benzoic acid

A mixture of 2.0 g (7.02 mmol) of 3-bromo-5-(trifluoromethoxy)benzoicacid, 906 mg (7.72 mmol) of zinc cyanide and 486 mg (0.42 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in 23 ml of DMF was initiallydegassed and then, under an atmosphere of argon, heated under reflux for4 h. A further 243 mg (0.21 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) and 453 mg (3.86 mmol) of zinccyanide were then added, and the mixture was stirred under reflux foranother 16 h. The reaction was then concentrated to a volume of about 5ml under reduced pressure and stirred into 100 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution. The solid formed was filtered off, thefiltrate was adjusted to pH 1 with concentrated hydrochloric acid andthe precipitate formed was filtered off again. The filtrate wasextracted twice with in each case 50 ml of tert-butyl methyl ether, andthe combined organic phases were washed with water and saturated sodiumchloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. The product was isolated by preparative HPLC(Method 20). Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of theresidue under high vacuum gave 75 mg (92% pure, 4% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.99 (br, 1H), 8.35 (t, 1H), 8.33(br, 1H), 8.11 (br, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=230 [M−H]⁻.

Example 42A 3-Cyano-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid

A mixture of 2.0 g (7.43 mmol) of 3-bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoicacid [US 2006/0069261-A1, compound 1.2], 995 mg (8.48 mmol) of zinccyanide and 859 mg (0.743 mmol) oftetrakis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) in 75 ml of DMF/water (99:1)was initially degassed and then, under an atmosphere of argon, heated at120° C. for 3 h. After cooling to RT, the mixture was diluted with about300 ml of water and extracted three times with in each case about 150 mlof ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate, filtered and then concentrated to dryness on a rotaryevaporator. The product was isolated by preparative HPLC (Method 9).Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of the residue underhigh vacuum gave 421 mg (26% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.03 (br, 1H), 8.66 (t, 1H), 8.60 (t,1H), 8.42 (t, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.82 min, m/z=214 [M−H]⁻.

Example 43A 2-tert-Butyl-6-chloroisonicotinic acid

1.0 g (4.39 mmol) of methyl 2-tert-butyl-6-chloroisonicotinate [lit.: O.Isler et al., Helvetica Chimica Acta 1955, 38 (4), 1033-1046] in 17 mlof THF and 8.8 ml (8.8 mmol) of 1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solutionwere heated under reflux for 30 min. After cooling, the mixture wasadjusted to pH 1 with concentrated hydrochloric acid and concentratedalmost completely on a rotary evaporator. The solid formed was filteredoff, washed with a little water and dried. This gave 870 mg (93% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=214 [M+H]⁺.

Example 44A 2-tert-Butyl-6-(methylamino)isonicotinic acid

1.0 g (4.39 mmol) of methyl 2-tert-butyl-6-chlorisonicotinate [lit.: O.Isler et al., Helvetica Chimica Acta 1955, 38 (4), 1033-1046] and 3.8 ml(43.9 mmol) of a 40% strength aqueous methylamine solution were heatedin a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at160° C. for 6 h. After cooling, the volatile components were removed ona rotary evaporator. The residue was taken up in 4 ml ofsemiconcentrated hydrochloric acid and once more heated in the microwaveat 130° C. for 1 h. The product was then isolated directly bypreparative HPLC (Method 12). Evaporation of the product fractions anddrying of the residue under high vacuum gave 180 mg (92% pure, 18% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.39 min, m/z=209 [M+H]⁺.

Example 45A N-(3-Bromo-4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

5.51 g (29.6 mmol) of 3-bromo-4-methylaniline were dissolved in 127 mlof dichloromethane, 6.18 g (29.6 mmol) of 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoylchloride and 4.54 ml (32.6 mmol) of triethylamine were added and themixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. All volatile components wereremoved under reduced pressure and the residue was suspended in 50 ml ofmethanol. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was stirred into100 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid. The precipitate formed was filteredoff, washed with water and dried. This gave 7.05 g (90% pure, 60% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.52 (s, 1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d,1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.80 (t, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.36 (d,1H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.44 min, m/z=360 [M+H]⁺.

Example 46A N-(3-Bromo-4-methylphenyl)-3-tert-butylbenzamide

285 mg (1.53 mmol) of 3-bromo-4-methylaniline, 300 mg (1.68 mmol) of3-tert-butylbenzoic acid and 698 mg (1.83 mmol) of HATU were dissolvedin 3 ml of DMF, 0.32 ml (1.83 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine wereadded and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. The reaction was thenstirred into 20 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution andextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with waterand saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate,filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Drying of the residuegave 490 mg (88% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.26 (s, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d,1H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.63 (d, 1H), 7.46 (t, 1H), 7.33 (d, 1H), 2.33 (s,3H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.35 min, m/z=347 [M+H]⁺.

Example 47A tert-Butyl4-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenyl]piperazin-1-carboxylate

The compound from Example 16A (320 mg, 0.74 mmol) was dissolved in 2.3ml of DMF, HATU (309 mg, 0.81 mmol) and then 4-methylmorpholine (0.32ml) were added, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. At −5° C.,the compound of Example 7A (103 mg, 0.37 mmol) was then added and themixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. A few millilitres of concentratedaqueous ammonia solution were then added. The mixture was stirred at RTfor 15 min and then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase waswashed with conc. sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate,filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by preparativeHPLC (Method 28). This gave 210 mg (purity 61%, 50% of theory) of thetitle compound which was used without further purification for the nextsynthesis step.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.19 min, m/z=692 [M+H]⁺.

Example 48AN-(3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

70 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A, 62.9 mg (0.14 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 17A and 62 mg (0.16 mmol) of HATU were dissolvedin 0.79 ml of DMF, 0.07 ml (0.41 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine wereadded and the mixture was stirred at RT for 1 h. The mixture was thenstirred into 10 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution andstirred at RT for 10 min, and the precipitate formed was then filteredoff. The solid was washed with water and dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 94 mg (94% pure, 89% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.52 (s, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d,1H), 7.77-7.71 (m, 5H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 7.23(d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.90 (s, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.23(s, 3H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.86 min, m/z=727 [M+H]⁺.

Example 49AN-(3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-3-(morpholin-4-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

82 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A, 59 mg (0.18 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 18A and 73 mg (0.192 mmol) of HATU weredissolved in 1 ml of DMF. 53 μl (0.48 mmol) of 4-methylmorpholine werethen added. After the reaction mixture had been stirred at RT for 16 h,10 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution were added, whereuponthe product precipitated as a solid. The mixture was stirred for another10 min, and the product was then filtered off with suction, washed withwater and dried under high vacuum. This gave 104 mg (70% of theory, 77%pure) of the title compound as a greyish-brown solid.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=714 [M+H]⁺.

Example 50AN-(3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

55 mg (0.19 mmol) of the compound of Example 5A and 74 mg (0.21 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 45A were dissolved in 1.24 ml of DMF and 0.12 mlof water, and 126 mg (0.39 mmol) of bis(tetraethylammonium) carbonatewere added carefully. The mixture was degassed with argon, and 14.3 mg(0.08 mmol) of copper(I) iodide and 10.9 mg (0.08 mmol) of8-hydroxyquinoline were then added. The reaction was then heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 160° C.for 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was poured into 10 ml of water andextracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution and concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 11). Theproduct fractions were concentrated and the residue was dried under highvacuum. This gave 26 mg (57% pure, 14% of theory) of the title compoundwhich was reacted further in this form.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=571 [M+H]⁺.

Example 51AN-(3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

60 mg (0.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A and 31.6 mg (0.12 mmol)of 3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid [lit.:WO 2004/005281-A1, Example 91b] were reacted and worked up analogouslyto the procedure of Example 48A. This gave 61 mg (77% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.83 min, m/z=651 [M+H]⁺.

Example 52A3-tert-Butyl-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)benzamide

Step 1:3-tert-Butyl-N-(3-{[1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazol-5-yl]amino}-4-methylphenyl)benzamide

200 mg (0.44 mmol, purity 85%) of the compound from Example 2A and 199mg (0.57 mmol) of the compound of Example 46A in 2.18 ml of 1,4-dioxanewere degassed with argon. 9.9 mg (0.044 mmol) of palladium(II) acetate,38.3 mg (0.066 mmol) of xantphos and 431 mg (1.32 mmol) of caesiumcarbonate were added and the mixture was heated in a microwave oven(Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 150° C. for 30 min.The reaction was then filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate wasconcentrated. The residue was subjected to flash-chromatography onsilica gel (mobile phase dichloromethane/ethyl acetate 1:1). The productfractions were concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue wasdried. This gave 180 mg (63% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.04 (s, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.84 (s,1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.58 (d, 1H), 7.40 (t, 1H), 7.28-7.22(m, 4H), 7.09 (d, 1H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 6.89 (d, 2H), 6.11 (s, 1H), 5.23(s, 2H), 4.82 (t, 1H), 4.06 (d, 2H), 3.63 (m, 2H), 3.45 (m, 2H), 2.21(s, 3H), 1.31 (s, 9H), 1.06 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.38 min, m/z=651 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:3-tert-Butyl-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)benzamide

150 mg (0.23 mmol) of the compound of Example 52A/Step 1 in 1.2 ml ofethanol and 58 μl (0.12 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid were heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 120° C.for 30 min. The reaction was then concentrated under reduced pressureand the residue was dried. This gave 140 mg (78% pure, 85% of theory) ofthe title compound which was used without further purification forsubsequent reactions.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Example 53A3-tert-Butyl-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzamide

70 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A and 51 mg (0.14 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 22A were reacted analogously to the procedure ofExample 48A. This gave 83 mg (88% pure, 83% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.91 min, m/z=642 [M+H]⁺.

Example 54AN-(3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

70 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A and 78 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 17A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 48A. This gave 125 mg (95% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.50 (s, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.87 (d,1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.71 (m, 3H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.25 (d,2H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 5.91 (s, 1H), 5.23 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s,3H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H) [further signals obscuredby solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=741 [M+H]⁺.

Example 55A3-Formyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

320 mg (1.11 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 336 mg (1.22 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 36A and 504 mg (1.33 mmol) of HATU weredissolved in 3.3 ml of DMF, 0.23 ml (1.33 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added and the mixture was stirred at RTfor 3 h. The reaction was then stirred into 30 ml of semiconcentratedaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. After 10 min of stirring at RT, theprecipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried. Thecrude product obtained in this manner was purified by preparative HPLC(Method 12). The product fractions were concentrated, the residue wasdissolved in ethyl acetate and the mixture was washed successively withsaturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodium chloridesolution. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 100 mg(16% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.88 (s, 1H), 10.18 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d,1H), 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt,1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.82 (m, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d,1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=548 [M+H]⁺.

Example 56A3-Cyano-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-3-methyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

100 mg (0.24 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A and 66 mg (0.24 mmol)of the compound of Example 23A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 48A. This gave 153 mg (77% pure, 73% of theory)of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=2.66 min, m/z=576 [M+H]⁺.

Example 57A3-tert-Butyl-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)benzamide

65 mg (0.13 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A, 50 mg (0.13 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 21A and 58 mg (0.15 mmol) of HATU were dissolvedin 0.73 ml of DMF, 0.07 ml (0.63 mmol) of 4-methylmorpholine was addedand the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. 10 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution were then added, and the mixture was stirredat RT for another 10 min. The precipitate formed was filtered off,washed with water and dried under high vacuum. This gave 70 mg (76%pure, 64% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.16 min, m/z=657 [M+H]⁺.

Example 58A tert-Butyl3-hydroxy-3-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenyl]azetidine-1-carboxylate

64 mg (0.15 mmol) of the compound of Example 20A and 70 mg (0.18 mmol)of HATU were initially charged in 0.88 ml of DMF, 0.13 ml (1.22 mmol) of4-methylmorpholine were added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 30min. At −5° C., 44 mg (0.15 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A wereadded and the mixture was then stirred at RT for 16 h. Water and 2 Maqueous sodium hydroxide solution were then added, and the mixture wasstirred at RT for 15 min. The precipitate formed was filtered off,washed with water and dried. This gave 67 mg (93% pure, 60% of theory)of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=691 [M+H]⁺.

Example 59A 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Step 1: Sodium 2-cyano-1-(pyrazin-2-yl)ethenolate

A solution of 1.5 g (10.9 mmol) of methyl pyrazine-2-carboxylate and 446mg (10.9 mmol) of acetonitrile in 16.5 ml of THF was added dropwise to asuspension, heated under reflux, of 434 mg of sodium hydride (60%strength suspension in mineral oil) in 10 ml of THF. The reactionmixture was heated under reflux for 20 h. After cooling, 50 ml of methyltert-butyl ether were added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes.The precipitate formed was filtered off with suction over a frit anddried under oil pump vacuum. This gave 1.77 g (96% of theory) of thetitle compound which was used without further characterization for thenext step.

Step 2: 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

1.76 g (10.4 mmol) of the sodium salt of Example 59A/Step 1 weresuspended in 10.5 ml of ethanol, and 1.62 g (10.9 mmol) of(2,2-diethoxyethyl)hydrazine, 0.6 ml (10.4 mmol) of acetic acid and 52μl of 1 M hydrochloric acid were added in succession. After two hours ofheating under reflux, the reaction mixture was cooled to RT and dilutedwith 200 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed in each caseonce with in each case 30 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution,water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphateand, after filtration, concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct obtained in this manner was purified on a Biotage system (50 gSnap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/0-10% methanol). Thisgave 1.17 g (40% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.53 (dd, 1H), 8.43 (d,1H), 5.87 (s, 1H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.84 (t, 1H), 4.02 (d, 2H), 3.63 (dq,2H), 3.41 (dq, 2H), 1.04 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.79 min, m/z=278 [M+H]⁺.

Example 60A3-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylaniline

490 mg (1.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 8A/Step 2 were reacted andworked up analogously to Example 9A/Step 3. In this case, the reactionwas heated under reflux for 30 min (instead of 1.5 h). This gave 436 mg(77% of theory, 80% pure) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.89 min, m/z=399 [M+H]⁺.

Example 61A5-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-2,4-dimethylaniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1′-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H,1′H-3,4′-bipyrazole-5-amine

980 mg (2.64 mmol) of the compound of Example 2A were reactedanalogously to Example 9A. In deviation from the work-up describedtherein, here, the mixture was filtered through kieselguhr, the filtratewas concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was separatedinto its components by preparative HPLC (Method 35). This gave 1.12 g(66% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d,2H), 7.25 (m, 3H), 6.91 (d, 2H), 6.24 (s, 1H), 5.24 (s, 2H), 4.81 (t,1H), 4.06 (d, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s,3H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.00 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=2.68 min, m/z=535 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,4-Dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

1.12 g (2.10 mmol) of the compound of Example 61A/Step 1 in 21 ml ofethanol with addition of 2.5 ml (5.03 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid wereheated under reflux for 16 h. After the mixture had cooled, theprecipitate formed was filtered off, washed with ethanol and dried. Thefilter cake was taken up in 20 ml of ethyl acetate, and the solution waswashed with in each case 10 ml of saturated aqueous potassium carbonatesolution and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution and dried oversodium sulphate. After filtration, the filtrate was freed from thesolvent on a rotary evaporator and the residue was dried under highvacuum. This gave 410 mg (44% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.05 (d, 2H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.74 (s,1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.96 (s,1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=443 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:5-{6-[1-(4-Methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-2,4-dimethylaniline

200 mg (0.45 mmol) of the compound of Example 61A/Step 2 were reactedanalogously to Example 61A. After the reaction had ended, the mixturewas filtered, the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure andthe residue was separated into its components by preparative HPLC(Method 21). The product-containing fractions were combined,concentrated almost completely under reduced pressure and made alkalinewith a little saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Theresulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and driedunder high vacuum. This gave 120 mg (64% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d,1H), 7.26-7.20 (m, 3H), 6.94-6.88 (m, 3H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 5.78 (s, 1H),5.24 (s, 2H), 4.96 (s, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.94 min, m/z=413 [M+H]⁺.

Example 62A 3-[6-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(3-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to the process described under Example 6A/Step 1, 1.0 g(3.62 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A and 804 mg (3.98 mmol) of1-bromo-3-nitrobenzene gave 1.26 g (87% of theory) of the titlecompound. In this case, chromatographic isolation of the product was byMPLC (mobile phase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:2); subsequenttrituration with diisopropyl ether was dispensed with.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.57 (dd, 1H), 8.08 (dt,1H), 7.80 (t, 1H), 7.74 (dd, 1H), 7.42 (t, 1H), 7.34 (dd, 1H), 7.28-7.25(m, 2H, partially obscured by the CHCl₃ signal), 6.47 (s, 1H), 4.82 (t,1H), 4.30 (d, 2H), 3.90-3.83 (m, 2H), 3.64-3.56 (m, 2H), 1.28 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=398 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2: 1-(3-Nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

3.8 ml (7.55 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid were added to a solution of1.25 g (3.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 62A/Step 1 in 12.5 ml ofethanol, and the mixture was then heated in a microwave oven (BiotageInitiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 130° C. for 15 minutes. Aftercooling to RT, the reaction mixture was added with stirring to about 25ml of saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution. This mixture wasextracted twice with in each case about 50 ml of ethyl acetate and thecombined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium chloridesolution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and filtration,the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue wasthen dried under high vacuum. This gave 874 mg (82% of theory, 91% pure)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.13 (d, 1H), 8.53 (dd, 1H), 8.50 (t,1H), 8.26 (dt, 1H), 8.22-8.19 (m, 2H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.86(t, 1H), 7.48 (dd, 1H), 7.07 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.72 min, m/z=306 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3: 3-[6-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 3, 855 mg (2.80mmol) of the compound of Example 62A/Step 2 gave 760 mg (98% of theory)of the title compound. In this case, the reaction time was 30 minutes.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.09 (d, 1H), 8.51 (dd, 1H), 8.21 (dt,1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 7.17 (t, 1H), 6.92 (dd,1H), 6.83 (dd, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 6.49 (dd, 1H), 5.41 (s, broad, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.57 min, m/z=276 [M+H]⁺.

Example 63A3-[6-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-[5-nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 1.50 g (5.43 mmol) of the compound ofExample 4A and 1.47 g (5.43 mmol) of2-bromo-4-nitro-1-(trifluoromethyl)benzene gave 2.03 g (75% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.11 (s, 1H), 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.77 (d, 1H), 7.39-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.24 (dd, 1H), 6.86(s, 1H), 4.84 (t, 1H), 4.15 (d, 2H), 3.56 (dq, 2H), 3.36 (dq, 2H), 0.94(t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.24 min, m/z=466 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-[5-Nitro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 2.03 g (4.36 mmol) of the compound ofExample 63A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was purified by singlechromatography on a Biotage system (50 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient dichloromethane/methanol, from 2% methanol increasing steadilyto 8% methanol). This gave 1.17 g (65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.08 (dd, 1H), 8.51 (dd, 1H), 8.38 (d,1H), 8.20 (dt, 1H), 8.14-8.18 (m, 2H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 7.45(ddd, 1H), 7.20 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.05 min, m/z=374 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3-[6-(Pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 1.17 g (3.13 mmol) of the compound ofExample 63A/Step 2 gave 866 mg (78% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.05 (dd, 1H), 8.50 (dd, 1H), 8.17(dt, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.41-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.16 (d, 1H),6.96 (dd, 1H), 6.89 (d, 1H), 5.84 (s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=344 [M+H]⁺.

Example 64A4-Chloro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:N-(2-Chloro-5-nitrophenyl)-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 1, 1.0 g (3.62mmol) of the compound of Example 4A and 941 mg (3.98 mmol) of1-bromo-2-chloro-5-nitrobenzene gave 1.26 g (80% of theory) of the titlecompound. In this case, the reaction time in the microwave reactor was 1h at a temperature of 140° C. Chromatographic isolation of the productwas by MPLC (mobile phase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:2).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.58 (dd, 1H), 8.09 (dt,1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.53-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.36 (dd, 1H), 6.55(s, 1H), 4.81 (t, 1H), 4.30 (d, 2H), 3.88-3.80 (m, 2H), 3.66-3.58 (m,2H), 1.26 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.08 min, m/z=432/434 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Chloro-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

4 ml (8 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid were added to a solution of 1.44 g(3.33 mmol) of the compound of Example 64A/Step 1 in 14 ml of ethanol,and the mixture was then heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator,with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 130° C. for 60 minutes. After cooling toRT, the reaction mixture was added with stirring to about 50 ml ofsaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. This mixture wasextracted twice with in each case about 50 ml of ethyl acetate and thecombined organic phases were washed with saturated sodium chloridesolution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and filtration,the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. From the residueobtained in this manner, the product was isolated by MPLC (silica gel,dichloromethane/methanol 50:1). This gave 160 mg (14% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.53 (d, 1H), 8.50 (dd,1H), 8.34 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d,1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 6.47 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.77 min, m/z=340/342 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Chloro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 3, 310 mg (0.912mmol) of the compound of Example 64A/Step 2 gave, after a reaction timeof 60 minutes, 267 mg (73% pure, 68% of theory) of a mixture whichconsisted of the title compound and the compound from Example 62A in aratio of 73:27. This mixture was used without further purification forsubsequent reactions.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm, for the title compound): 9.05 (d, 1H),8.53 (dd, 1H), 8.16 (dt, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.34-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.08 (d,1H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 6.67 (dd, 1H), 6.12 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, broad, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.66 min, m/z=310/312 [M+H]⁺.

Example 65A3,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, two batches of 100 mg (0.36 mmol) andof 1.50 g (5.43 mmol), respectively, of the compound of Example 4A and92 mg (0.40 mmol) and 1.37 g (5.97 mmol), respectively, of1-bromo-2,3-dimethyl-5-nitrobenzene gave a total of 1.31 g (23% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (dt,1H), 7.54-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.42 (m, 2H), 6.62 (s, 1H), 4.87 (t, 1H),4.13 (d, 2H), 3.58 (dq, 2H), 3.41 (dq, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H),0.98 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.34 min, m/z=426 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,3-Dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 1.31 g (3.08 mmol) of the compound ofExample 65A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was purified by singlechromatography on a Biotage system (50 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient dichloromethane/methanol, from 0% methanol increasing steadilyto 10% methanol). This gave 670 mg (63% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (dd, 1H), 8.45 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (d,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 7.92 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.38(ddd, 1H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 2.23 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 670 mg (2.01 mmol) of the compound ofExample 65A/Step 2 gave 524 mg (86% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (dd, 1H), 8.43 (dd, 1H), 8.14(dt, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.36 (ddd, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 6.50 (d, 1H),6.42 (d, 1H), 6.19 (d, 1H), 5.08 (s, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.90 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=304 [M+H]⁺.

Example 66A3-Fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:N-(3-Fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 1.5 g (5.43 mmol) of the compound ofExample 4A and 1.4 g (5.97 mmol) of1-bromo-3-fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrobenzene gave 1.19 g (50% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt,1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.50 (dd, 1H), 7.41 (ddd, 1H), 7.28-7.31 (m, 1H),6.78 (s, 1H), 4.87 (t, 1H), 4.14 (d, 2H), 3.51-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.45(m, 2H), 2.24 (d, 3H), 0.96 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.25 min, m/z=430 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(3-Fluoro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 1.19 g (2.77 mmol) of the compound ofExample 66A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was purified by singlechromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 0% ethyl acetate increasing steadilyto 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, proportion ofmethanol increasing slowly from 0 to 80%). This gave 587 mg (60% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.46 (dd, 1H), 8.12-8.24(m, 3H), 7.97 (dd, 1H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.39 (ddd, 1H), 6.48 (s, 1H), 2.30(d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.92 min, m/z=338 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3-Fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 570 mg (1.69 mmol) of the compound ofExample 66A/Step 2 gave 520 mg (100% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt,1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.37 (dd, 1H), 6.46 (s, 1H), 6.41 (dd,1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 5.52 (s, 2H), 1.95 (d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.79 min, m/z=308 [M+H]⁺.

Example 67A3-Chloro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]anilin

Step 1:N-(3-Chloro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 1.0 g (3.62 mmol) of the compound ofExample 4A and 1.0 g (3.98 mmol) of1-bromo-3-chloro-2-methyl-5-nitrobenzene gave 670 mg (42% of theory) ofthe title compound. The starting material1-bromo-3-chloro-2-methyl-5-nitrobenzene can be prepared from2-chloro-1-methyl-4-nitrobenzene by a process described in U.S. Pat. No.5,877,191 for the preparation of3-bromo-5-fluoro-4-methyl-1-nitrobenzene.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt,1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.35-7.45 (m, 2H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 4.87(t, 1H), 4.13 (d, 2H), 3.50-3.63 (m, 2H), 3.33-3.46 (m, 2H), 2.39 (s,3H), 0.96 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.40 min, m/z=446/448 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(3-Chloro-2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 670 mg (1.50 mmol) of the compound ofExample 67A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was purified by singlechromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 0% ethyl acetate increasing steadilyto 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, proportion ofmethanol increasing slowly from 0 to 80%). This gave 309 mg (52% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd, 1H), 8.40 (d,1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd,1H), 6.46 (s, 1H), 2.39 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=354/356 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:3-Chloro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 253 mg (0.72 mmol) of the compound ofExample 67A/Step 2 gave 249 mg (97% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt,1H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.37 (dd, 1H), 6.73 (d, 1H), 6.58 (d,1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 2.04 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.86 min, m/z=324/326 [M+H]⁺.

Example 68A2,4-Dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,6-dimethyl-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, a test reaction with 1.0 g (3.62mmol) and the main reaction with 2.0 g (7.24 mmol), respectively, of thecompound of Example 4A and 916 mg (3.98 mmol) and 1.83 g (7.96 mmol),respectively, of 4-bromo-1,3-dimethyl-2-nitrobenzene gave a total of3.15 g (75% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.83 (d, 1H), 8.39 (dd, 1H), 7.95-8.00(m, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H), 7.29 (dd, 1H), 5.46(s, 1H), 4.97 (t, 1H), 4.24 (d, 2H), 3.62-3.73 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.54 (m,2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.06 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=426 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,6-Dimethyl-3-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, two batches of in each case 1.58 g(3.70 mmol) of the compound of Example 68A/Step 1 gave a crude productwhich was initially purified on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 0% ethyl acetateincreasing steadily to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol,proportion of methanol increasing slowly from 0 to 80%). A secondpurification was then carried out by preparative HPLC (Method 16). Thisgave 534 mg (22% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (dd, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.13(dt, 1H), 8.03 (d, 1H), 7.92 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), 7.37(ddd, 1H), 6.23 (d, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2,4-Dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 530 mg (1.59 mmol) of the compound ofExample 68A/Step 2 gave 507 mg (99% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (dd, 1H), 8.42 (dd, 1H), 8.13(dt, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (ddd, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 6.91 (d, 1H),6.69 (d, 1H), 6.08 (d, 1H), 4.96 (s, 2H), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.72 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.74 min, m/z=304 [M+H]⁺.

Example 69A2-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to the process described in Example 64A/Step 1, 1.0 g (3.62mmol) of the compound of Example 4A and 860 mg (3.98 mmol) of2-bromo-6-nitrotoluene gave 1.45 g (97% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.56 (dd, 1H), 8.08 (dt,1H), 7.35-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.22 (t, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 4.82(t, 1H), 4.27 (d, 2H), 3.88-3.80 (m, 2H), 3.66-3.58 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s,3H), 1.26 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=412 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-3-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to the process described in Example 64A/Step 2, 1.43 g (3.47mmol) of the compound of Example 69A/Step 1 gave 1.09 g (95% of theory)of the title compound. In this case, the reaction time in the microwavewas 15 min at 130° C. Here, chromatographic purification of the productcould be dispensed with.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt,1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.61 (d,1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=320 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 3, 1.08 g (3.38mmol) of the compound of Example 69A/Step 2 gave 940 mg (93% of theory,97% pure) of the title compound. In this case, the reaction time was 30minutes.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.52 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt,1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 7.14 (t, 1H), 6.90 (d, 1H), 6.80 (d,1H), 6.77 (d, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 3.86 (broad, 2H), 2.06 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.63 min, m/z=290 [M+H]⁺.

Example 70A2-Fluoro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to the process described in Example 64A/Step 1, 1.0 g (3.62mmol) of the compound of Example 4A and 876 mg (3.98 mmol) of1-bromo-2-fluoro-3-nitrobenzene gave 1.11 g (73% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.56 (dd, 1H), 8.09 (dt,1H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 3H), 7.34 (t, 1H), 7.17 (t, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 4.81(t, 1H), 4.31 (d, 2H), 3.89-3.81 (m, 2H), 3.65-3.57 (m, 2H), 1.28 (t,6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=416 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Fluoro-3-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to the process described in Example 69A/Step 2, 1.10 g (2.65mmol) of the compound of Example 70A/Step 1 gave 570 mg (63% of theory)of the title compound. For purification, the product was then trituratedwith a little acetonitrile at RT.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.07 (d, 1H), 8.51 (dd, 1H), 8.21 (dt,1H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.74 (dd, 1H), 7.63 (td,1H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 6.66 (d, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=324 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2-Fluoro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to the process described in Example 69A/Step 3, 560 mg (1.73mmol) of the compound of Example 70A/Step 2 gave 490 mg (96% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.07 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.20 (dt,1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.57 (dd, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.03 (td, 1H), 6.81(dd, 1H), 6.77 (dd, 1H), 6.49 (s, 1H), 5.56 (s, broad, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.60 min, m/z=294 [M+H]⁺.

Example 71A2-Amino-6-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

Step 1: 2-(Benzyloxy)-1-bromo-3-nitrobenzene

A mixture of 5.22 g (23.9 mmol) of 2-bromo-6-nitrophenol, 3.0 ml (25.1mmol) of benzyl bromide and 3.64 g (26.3 mmol) of potassium carbonate in50 ml of acetonitrile was heated under reflux for 2 h. After cooling toRT, the solid was filtered off and the filtrate was freed from thesolvent on a rotary evaporator. The residue obtained was dissolved inethyl acetate and washed successively with water and saturated sodiumchloride solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, themixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated on a rotaryevaporator. The residue that remained was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 7.53 g (99% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 7.84 (dd, 1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.57-7.53(m, 2H), 7.44-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.16 (t, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, no ionization.

Step 2:N-[2-(Benzyloxy)-3-nitrophenyl]-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to the process described in Example 64A/Step 1, 1.0 g (3.62mmol) of the compound of Example 4A and 1.23 g (3.98 mmol) of thecompound of Example 71A/Step 1 gave 1.44 g of the title compound (63% oftheory, content 80%, contamination: debenzylated product). Here,chromatographic purification was carried out using the mobile phasecyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:1.

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=2.54 min, m/z=504 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3: 2-Nitro-6-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

2.7 ml (5.45 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid were added to a solution of1.43 g (2.27 mmol, content 80%) of the compound from Example 71A/Step 2in 10 ml of ethanol and the mixture was then heated in a microwave oven(Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 130° C. for 20 min.After cooling to RT, the reaction mixture was added with stirring toabout 50 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Thismixture was extracted twice with in each case about 50 ml of ethylacetate and the combined organic phases were washed with saturatedsodium chloride solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphateand filtration, the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure.The residue that remained was triturated with acetonitrile. Theinsoluble material was filtered off with suction and dried under highvacuum. This gave 75 mg (10% of theory) of the title compound. Thefiltrate obtained was processed further, see Step 4 below.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.55 (d, 1H), 8.19-8.15(m, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.36-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t, 1H),6.22 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.68 min, m/z=322 [M+H]⁺.

Step 4:1-[2-(Benzyloxy)-3-nitrophenyl]-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

The filtrate obtained in Step 3 above was freed from the solvent on arotary evaporator and the residue that remained was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 9) gereinigt. Evaporation of the productfractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 263 mg (28%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.57 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt,1H), 7.82-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.40 (t, 1H), 7.36 (dd, 1H),7.25-7.21 (m, 3H, partially obscured by the CHCl₃ signal), 7.15-7.12 (m,2H), 6.19 (s, 1H), 4.83 (s, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.92 min, m/z=412 [M+H]⁺.

Step 5: 2-Amino-6-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

Variant A: Preparation Starting with the Compound from Example 71A/Step3:

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 3, 72 mg (0.224mmol) of the compound of Example 71A/Step 3 gave 57 mg (87% of theory)of the title compound. In this case, the reaction time was 1 h.

Variant B: Preparation Starting with the Compound from Example 71A/Step4:

Analogously to the process described in Example 9A/Step 3, 260 mg (0.632mmol) of the compound of Example 71A/Step 4 gave 200 mg (86% of theory,80% pure) of the title compound. In this case, the reaction time was 1h.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt,1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.76 (t, 1H), 6.69-6.64(m, 2H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 3.50 (broad, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.56 min, m/z=292 [M+H]⁺.

Example 72A4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 1.16 g (4.18 mmol) of the compound ofExample 59A and 994 mg (4.60 mmol) of 2-Bromo-4-nitrotoluene gave 1.64 g(86% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.14 (d, 1H), 8.61 (dd, 1H), 8.54 (d,1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.60 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 6.71 (s,1H), 4.88 (t, 1H), 4.20 (d, 2H), 3.53-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.36-3.46 (m, 2H),2.35 (s, 3H), 0.97 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.29 min, m/z=413 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 1.63 g (3.95 mmol) of the compound ofExample 72A/Step 1 gave a crude product which was purified by singlechromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient dichloromethane/methanol, from 2% methanol increasing steadilyto 8% methanol). This gave 346 mg (25% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.16 (d, 1H), 8.58 (dd, 1H), 8.51 (d,1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.21 (dd, 1H), 7.99 (dd, 1H), 7.73 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d,1H), 6.41 (d, 1H), 5.72 (s, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=321 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 343 mg (1.07 mmol) of the compound ofExample 72A/Step 2 gave 255 mg (65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.14 (d, 1H), 8.57 (dd, 1H), 8.49 (d,1H), 7.85 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 6.62 (d, 1H), 6.55 (dd,1H), 6.24 (d, 1H), 5.19 (br. s, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.81 min, m/z=291 [M+H]⁺.

Example 73A 3-Cyano-5-(1-hydroxycyclobutyl)benzoic acid

Step 1: Methyl 3-carbamoyl-5-iodobenzoate

20 ml of 1 M hydrochloric acid were added to a solution of 3.88 g (11.8mmol) of sodium 3-iodo-5-(methoxycarbonyl)benzoate [J. H. Ackermann etal., J. Med. Chem. 1966, 9 (1), 165-168] in 100 ml of water. After 10min, the mixture was extracted three times with in each case about 100ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution and dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate. After filtration, the solvent was removed on a rotaryevaporator. The residue that remained was dissolved in 75 ml ofdichloromethane, and 5.2 ml (59.1 mmol) of oxalyl chloride and a smalldrop of DMF were added at RT. After 1 h of stirring at RT, all volatilecomponents were removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue was thendissolved in 50 ml of dioxane and, at a temperature of about 0° C.,slowly added dropwise to 44 ml of a 25% strength aqueous ammoniasolution. After the dropwise addition had ended, the cooling bath wasremoved and stirring was continued at RT for 30 min. The precipitatedproduct was then filtered off with suction, washed with cold water anddried under high vacuum. This gave 3.02 g (81% of theory, 97% pure) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.35(dd, 1H), 8.25 (s, broad, 1H), 7.63 (s, broad, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=306 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2: Methyl 3-cyano-5-iodobenzoate

At a temperature of about 0° C., a solution of 2.8 ml (16.5 mmol) oftrifluoromethanesulphonic anhydride in 50 ml of dichloromethane wasadded dropwise to a solution of 2.80 g (9.18 mmol) of the compound ofExample 73A/Step 1 and 8 ml (45.9 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine in150 ml of dichloromethane. After a reaction time of 30 min at 0° C., 50ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution were added and themixture was stirred vigorously at RT for 10 min. The organic phase wasseparated off, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtered andfreed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. The crude productobtained in this manner was purified by filtration with suction (about200 g of silica gel, mobile phase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 3:1). Thisgave 2.24 g (85% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 8.59 (dd, 1H), 8.28 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dd,1H), 3.97 (s, 3H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=5.62 min, m/z=287 [M]⁺.

Step 3: Methyl 3-cyano-5-(1-hydroxycyclobutyl)benzoate

At a temperature of −40° C., 1.1 ml (1.46 mmol) of a 1.3 M solution ofisopropylmagnesium chloride/lithium chloride complex in THF were addeddropwise to a solution of 400 mg (1.39 mmol) of the compound of Example73A/Step 2 in 10 ml of anhydrous THF. After the dropwise addition hadended, the mixture was stirred at −40° C. to −30° C. for another 1.5 h,and the temperature was then lowered to −78° C. At −78° C., thissolution was then slowly added dropwise to a solution of 209 μl (2.79mmol) of cyclobutanone in 4 ml of anhydrous THF. Ten minutes after theaddition had ended and after further stirring at −78° C., the reactionmixture was warmed initially to 0° C. and then, after a further 45 min,to RT. After 1 h of stirring at RT, 250 ml of water were added at about−20° C. The mixture was extracted three times with in each case 100 mlof ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator.The product was isolated from the residue obtained in this manner byMPLC (about 50 g of silica gel, mobile phase gradient cyclohexane/ethylacetate 10:1→4:1). This gave 94 mg (29% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 8.41 (dd, 1H), 8.23 (dd, 1H), 8.01 (dd,1H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 2.60-2.52 (m, 2H), 2.47-2.39 (m, 3H), 2.18-2.08 (m,1H), 1.87-1.76 (m, 1H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=6.60 min, m/z=213 [M−H₂O]⁺.

Step 4: 3-Cyano-5-(1-hydroxycyclobutyl)benzoic acid

85 mg (0.368 mmol) of the compound of Example 73A/Step 3 were dissolvedin a mixture of 1 ml of methanol and 1 ml of THF, and a solution of 19mg (0.441 mmol) of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 1 ml of water wasadded at RT. After the reaction mixture had been stirred for 1 h, ineach case 50 ml of water and ethyl acetate and 2 ml of 1 M hydrochloricacid were added and the mixture was stirred vigorously. After phaseseparation, the aqueous phase was extracted once more with 50 ml ofethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with saturatedsodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate,filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. This gave 78mg (95% of theory, 97% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.53 (broad, 1H), 8.33 (dd, 1H), 8.17(dd, 1H), 8.14 (dd, 1H), 5.90 (s, broad, 1H), 2.45-2.39 (m, 2H),2.34-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.02-1.93 (m, 1H), 1.77-1.69 (m, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.68 min, m/z=216 [M−H]⁻, 433 [2M−H]⁻.

Example 74A 3-(Methoxymethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

108 mg (2.70 mmol) of sodium hydride (as a 60% strength suspension inmineral oil) were deoiled with pentane and then suspended in 5 ml ofanhydrous THF. At 0° C., a solution of 250 mg (0.899 mmol) of thecompound of Example 37A in 2.5 ml of anhydrous THF was slowly addeddropwise to this suspension. After 30 min of stirring at 0° C., 170 μl(2.70 mmol) of iodomethane were added and the cooling bath was removed.Since, according to analytical HPLC, conversion was still incompleteafter 6 h at RT, the mixture was once more cooled to 0° C., and afurther 560 μl (9.0 mmol) of iodomethane and 36 mg (0.897 mmol) ofsodium hydride (60% strength suspension in mineral oil) were added insuccession. After 2 h of stirring at RT, about 75 ml of water were addedcarefully and the reaction mixture was acidified by addition of 1 Mhydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted three times with in eachcase about 25 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts werewashed successively with in each case about 30 ml of water and saturatedsodium chloride solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate, filtration and removal of the solvent on a rotary evaporator,the residue obtained was triturated with pentane. The crude productobtained in this manner was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 32).Pooling of the product fractions, removal of the solvent on a rotaryevaporator and drying under high vacuum gave 153 mg (58% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.75 (broad, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 8.16(s, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 4.60 (s, 1H), 3.36 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.94 min, m/z=291 [M−H]⁻.

Example 75A3-Cyano-N-(3-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-4-methylphenyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

80 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 60A and 66 mg (0.24 mmol)of the compound of Example 23A were reacted with one another analogouslyto Example 48A. In deviation from the work-up described therein, here,the mixture was separated directly into its components by preparativeHPLC (Method 21). The product-containing fractions were concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 84 mg (64% of theory, 80% pure) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=654 [M+H]⁺.

Example 76A3-Cyano-N-(5-{6-[1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl]-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl}-2,4-dimethylphenyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

105 mg (0.26 mmol) of the compound of Example 61A and 82 mg (0.24 mmol)of the compound of Example 23A were reacted with one another analogouslyto Example 48A. In deviation from the work-up described therein, here,the mixture was separated directly into its components by preparativeHPLC (Method 21). The product-containing fractions were concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 125 mg (71% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.40 (s, 1H), 8.86 (s, 1H), 8.73 (s,1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.48 (s,1H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 6.90 (d, 2H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 5.24 (s,2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=668 [M+H]⁺.

Example 77AN-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-formyl-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

214 mg (0.659 mmol, 85% pure) of the compound from Example 36A and 301mg (0.791 mmol) of HATU were dissolved in 2.3 ml of anhydrous DMF, and140 μl (0.791 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine were added. After 30min, 200 mg (0.659 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A were added.After the reaction mixture had been stirred at RT for 1.5 h, about 50 mlof water were added and the mixture was extracted three times with ineach case about 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extractswere washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried overanhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on arotary evaporator. The crude product obtained in this manner waspurified by MPLC (30 g of silica gel, mobile phase gradientcyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:1→1:5). Evaporation of the product fractionsand drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 160 mg (36% of theory,85% pure) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=562 [M+H]⁺.

Example 78A 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 59A/Steps 1 and 2, 5.0 g (32.9 mmol) of ethyl5-pyrimidinecarboxylate gave 3.01 g of the title compound (27% of theoryover the two steps).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.01 (s, 2H), 5.85 (s, 1H), 5.71 (s,1H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 4.82 (t, 1H), 4.00 (d, 2H), 3.53-3.67 (m, 2H), 3.41(dd, 2H), 1.04 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=278 [M+H]⁺.

Example 79A 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 59A/Steps 1 and 2, 5.0 g (32.9 mmol) of ethylpyridazine-4-carboxylate gave 4.5 g of the title compound (49% of theoryover the two steps).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.46 (dd, 1H), 9.10 (dd, 1H), 7.79(dd, 1H), 5.94 (s, 1H), 5.42 (s, 2H), 4.83 (t, 1H), 4.02 (d, 2H),3.55-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.33-3.46 (m, 3H), 1.03 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=278 [M+H]⁺.

Example 80A 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 59A/Steps 1 and 2, 2.5 g (16.4 mmol) of ethylpyridazine-3-carboxylate gave 1.09 g of the title compound (24% oftheory over the two steps).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.05 (dd, 1H), 7.97 (dd, 1H), 7.60(dd, 1H), 6.00 (s, 1H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.83 (t, 1H), 4.02 (d, 2H),3.57-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.36-3.46 (m, 2H), 1.04 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=278 [M+H]⁺.

Example 81A1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Step 1: Sodium 2-cyano-1-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)ethenolate

A solution of 1.5 g (10.5 mmol) of methyl 1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate and430 mg (10.8 mmol) of acetonitrile in 15 ml of THF was added dropwise toa suspension of 419 mg of sodium hydride (60% strength suspension inmineral oil) in 16 ml of THF which was heated under reflux. The reactionmixture was heated under reflux for 20 h. After cooling, 50 ml of methyltert-butyl ether were added and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes.The resulting precipitate was filtered off with suction through a fritand dried under oil pump vacuum. This gave 1.71 g (94% of theory) of thetitle compound which was combined with the product (3.48 g, 95% oftheory) from a second batch starting with 3.0 g (21 mmol) of methyl1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate. This material was used without furthercharacterization for the next step.

Step 2: 1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-3-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

5.19 g (29.8 mmol) of the sodium salt of Example 81A/Step 1 weresuspended in 30 ml of ethanol, and 4.64 g (31.3 mmol) of(2,2-diethoxyethyl)hydrazine, 1.7 ml (29.8 mmol) of acetic acid and 149μl 1 M hydrochloric acid were added in succession. After two hours ofheating under reflux, the reaction mixture was cooled to RT and dilutedwith 400 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed in each caseonce with in each case 50 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution,water and saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphateand, after filtration, concentrated under reduced pressure. The crudeproduct obtained in this manner was purified on a Biotage system (100 gSnap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). Thisgave 2.93 g (34% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 5.65 (s,1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.76 (t, 1H), 3.93 (d, 2H), 3.53-3.68 (m, 2H),3.31-3.46 (m, 2H), 1.03 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=283 [M+H]⁺.

Example 82A6-Amino-3-methyl-2-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

Step 1: Methyl 2-bromo-3-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzoate

At −78° C., a solution of 1 ml (20.3 mmol) of bromine in 5 ml ofdichloromethane was slowly added dropwise to a solution of 4.3 ml (40.6mmol) of tert-butylamine in 35 ml of dichloromethane. After the additionof bromine had ended, the mixture was stirred at −78° C. for a furtherhour, and a solution of 4.0 g (20.3 mmol) of methyl3-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzoate in 5 ml of dichloromethane was then added.Over the course of about 16 h, the reaction mixture was then slowlywarmed to RT. This resulted in the precipitation of a solid which wasfiltered off with suction and stirred with in each case about 25 ml ofdichloromethane and 2 M hydrochloric acid. The dichloromethane phase wasseparated off, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated(“residue 1”). The filtrate of the reaction mixture obtained above wasconcentrated on a rotary evaporator (“residue 2”). Residue 1 waspurified in 5 portions and residue 2 in 2 portions by preparative HPLC(Method 33). The product fractions were, separated as residue 1 and 2,combined, concentrated and dried under high vacuum. Residue 1 gave 1.79g (31% of theory) of a mixture of the title compound and the isomericmethyl 2-bromo-5-hydroxy-4-nitrobenzoate in a ratio of 85:15; residue 2gave 0.77 g (13% of theory) of the same mixture, but in a ratio of73:27.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.03 (d, 1H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 3.89 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.90 min, m/z=274/276 [M−H]⁻(⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 2: Methyl 3-(benzyloxy)-2-bromo-4-nitrobenzoate

1.79 g (6.48 mmol) of the compound of Example 82A/Step 1 (productmixture of “residue 1”) together with 0.81 ml (6.80 mmol) of benzylbromide and 0.99 g (7.12 mmol) of potassium carbonate in 30 ml ofacetonitrile were heated under reflux for 2 h. After cooling to RT, thesolid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue that remained was taken up in about 75 ml of ethylacetate and washed successively with water and saturated aqueous sodiumchloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulphate, the mixture wasfiltered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. The title compoundwas isolated by MPLC (silica gel, mobile phase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate5:1). This gave 1.95 g (82% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.57-7.53 (m, 3H),7.43-7.37 (m, 3H), 5.21 (s, 2H), 3.99 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=364/366 [M−H]⁻(⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 3: [3-(Benzyloxy)-2-bromo-4-nitrophenyl]methanol

At −78° C., 2.9 ml (2.93 mmol) of a 1 M solution of lithium aluminiumhydride in THF were added dropwise to a solution of 1.95 g (5.32 mmol)of the compound of Example 82A/Step 2 in 40 ml of anhydrous THF. Afterthe addition had ended, the cooling bath was removed, the reactionmixture was warmed to RT and stirring was continued at RT for another 1h. About 5 ml of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution were thenadded carefully. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and driedover magnesium sulphate. After filtration and evaporation of thesolvent, the residue obtained was purified by MPLC (silica gel, mobilephase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 5:1). This gave 1.12 g (62% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d,2H), 7.44-7.37 (m, 3H), 5.75 (t, 1H), 5.11 (s, 2H), 4.59 (d, 2H).

Step 4: 2-(Benzyloxy)-3-bromo-4-(bromomethyl)-1-nitrobenzene

1.02 g (3.02 mmol) of the compound of Example 82A/Step 3 were dissolvedin 18 ml of THF, and 0.95 g (3.62 mmol) of triphenylphosphine was added.Once this had gone into solution, 1.20 g (3.62 mmol) oftetrabromomethane were added and the reaction mixture was stirred at RTfor about 20 h. This resulted in the formation of a fine whiteprecipitate. Precipitation was brought to completion by addition of 50ml of cyclohexane. The mixture was subsequently filtered and thefiltrate was evaporated to dryness on a rotary evaporator. From thisresidue, the product was isolated by MPLC (silica gel, mobile phasecyclohexane/ethyl acetate 10:1). This gave 1.01 g (83% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d,2H), 7.45-7.39 (m, 3H), 5.12 (s, 2H), 4.83 (s, 2H).

Step 5: 2-(Benzyloxy)-3-bromo-4-methyl-1-nitrobenzene

At −78° C., 0.75 ml (0.75 mmol) of a 1 M solution of lithium aluminiumhydride in THF was added to a solution of 1.0 g (2.50 mmol) of thecompound of Example 82A/Step 4 in 25 ml of anhydrous THF. After theaddition had ended, the cooling bath was removed, the reaction mixturewas warmed to RT and stirring was continued at RT for another 1 h.Since, according to TLC, the reaction was still incomplete, the reactionwas once more cooled to −78° C. and a further 0.75 ml (0.75 mmol) of the1 M solution of lithium aluminium hydride in THF was added. Afterwarming to RT, the mixture was once more stirred at RT for another 1 h,and about 5 ml of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution were thenadded carefully. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and driedover magnesium sulphate. After filtration and evaporation of thesolvent, the residue obtained was purified by MPLC (silica gel, mobilephase cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 10:1). Concentration of the productfractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 622 mg (77%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.45-7.39(m, 4H), 5.10 (s, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H).

MS (DCI, NH₃): m/z=339/341 [M−H]⁻ (⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 6:N-[2-(Benzyloxy)-6-methyl-3-nitrophenyl]-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amineand2-{[1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]amino}-3-methyl-6-nitrophenol

452 mg (1.64 mmol) of the compound of Example 82A/Step 5 together with580 mg (1.80 mmol) of the compound of Example 4A, 37 mg (0.164 mmol) ofpalladium(II) acetate, 142 mg (0.245 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 1.6 g (4.91 mmol)of caesium carbonate in 10 ml of 1,4-dioxane were heated in a microwaveoven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 140° C. for 1 h.The mixture was then filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate wasconcentrated on a rotary evaporator. The crude product obtained in thismanner was purified by MPLC on silica gel (mobile phase gradientcyclohexane/ethyl acetate 10:1→1:1). The product fractions were combinedand freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. This gave 230 mg (27%of theory) of a mixture of the two title compounds which was used assuch for the subsequent reaction.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.13 min, m/z=518 [M+H]⁺ (benzyl ether);

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=428 [M+H]⁺ (phenol).

Step 7:1-[2-(Benzyloxy)-6-methyl-3-nitrophenyl]-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoleand3-methyl-6-nitro-2-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

A solution of 230 mg (0.444 mmol) of the product mixture from Example82A/Step 6 in 2 ml of ethanol and 533 μl (1.07 mmol) of 2 M sulphuricacid was heated in a microwave oven (Biotage Initiator, with DynamicField Tuning) at 130° C. for 30 min. The reaction was then diluted with4 ml of DMF and, in 2 portions, separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 36). This operation also resulted in theseparation of the benzyl ether and the phenol product. The respectiveproduct fractions were then combined, and the solvent was subsequentlyremoved on a rotary evaporator. Final drying under high vacuum gave 23mg (12% of theory) of the benzyl ether and 63 mg (42% of theory) of thephenol.

1-[2-(Benzyloxy)-6-methyl-3-nitrophenyl]-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=426 [M+H]⁺.

3-Methyl-6-nitro-2-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=336 [M+H]⁺.

Step 8:6-Amino-3-methyl-2-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenol

The benzyl ether product and the phenol product from Example 82A/Step 7were re-combined. 85 mg (0.253 mmol) of this mixture were dissolved in1.7 ml of ethanol and 0.8 ml of water. 80 mg (1.27 mmol) of ammoniumformate and 3.3 mg of palladium (10% on activated carbon, 0.003 mmol)were added. The mixture was then heated under reflux for about 20 h.Since the reaction was still incomplete after this time, the mixture wasfiltered and 10 mg of fresh palladium (10% on activated carbon, 0.01mmol) were added to the filtrate. The mixture was then hydrogenated atRT under an atmosphere of 1 bar of hydrogen for about 40 h. The reactionmixture was then filtered through a little silica gel and the filtratewas evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC(Method 37). Concentration of the product fractions and drying underhigh vacuum gave 40 mg (51% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.54 min, m/z=306 [M+H]⁺.

Example 83A3-[7-Fluoro-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-methylaniline

Step 1:7-Fluoro-1-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

At 0° C., 1.91 g (5.40 mmol) of1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro-1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-bis(tetrafluoroborate)were added to a suspension of 1.15 g (3.60 mmol) of the compound ofExample 6A/Step 2 in 34.5 ml of acetonitrile, and the mixture wasstirred at this temperature for 45 min. A clear solution was formed.About 100 ml of water and 100 ml of ethyl acetate were then added, andthe reaction mixture was made weakly alkaline with saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution. After phase separation, the aqueous phasewas extracted two more times with ethyl acetate. The combined organicextracts were washed successively with water and saturated sodiumchloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulphate, the mixture wasfiltered and the filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator todryness. The residue that remained was purified by MPLC on about 70 g ofsilica gel using a mobile phase gradient dichloromethane/ethylacetate/methanol 1:1:0→1:2:0→10:0:1. Pooling of the product fractions,evaporation of the solvent and drying of the residue under high vacuumgave 400 mg (32% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.98 (dd, 1H), 8.56 (dd, 1H), 8.37 (d,1H), 8.27 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.98 (dd, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d,1H), 7.50 (dd, 1H), 2.47 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.90 min, m/z=338 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:3-[7-Fluoro-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-methylaniline

400 mg (1.18 mmol) of the compound of Example 83A/Step 1 were dissolvedin 8 ml of ethanol and 0.8 ml of water. 374 mg (5.93 mmol) of ammoniumformate and 15 mg (0.014 mmol) of palladium (10% on activated carbon)were added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 2.5 h. After coolingto RT, the mixture was filtered through a little Celite and most of thesolvent was removed on a rotary evaporator. The residue that remainedwas taken up in dichloromethane, solid magnesium sulphate was added andthe mixture was stirred and, after a while, filtered. The filtrate wasconcentrated and, in 2 portions, separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 37). The product fractions were combined andconcentrated. The residue was dissolved in a little methanol and passedthrough a bicarbonate cartridge (from Polymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE,PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol). Re-concentration and drying underhigh vacuum gave 191 mg (52% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.15 (m, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt,1H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 7.36 (dd, 1H), 7.13 (d, 1H), 6.89 (d, 1H), 6.70-6.68(m, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.68 min, m/z=308 [M+H]⁺.

Example 84A4-Chloro-2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:N-(2-Chloro-4-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-1-(2,2-diethoxyethyl)-3-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, from two reactions (273 mg and 1.58g; 6.72 mmol in total) of the compound of Example 4A and 250 mg and 1.45g (7.4 mmol in total) of 1-bromo-2-chloro-4-methyl-5-nitrobenzene gave,after 2 h of heating under reflux, a crude product which was purified bydouble chromatography on a Biotage system (in each case 50 g Snapcolumn; mobile phase gradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 20% ethylacetate increasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethylacetate/methanol, increasing slowly to 100% methanol). This gave 1.96 g(69% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (dt,1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.41 (ddd, 1H), 6.84 (s,1H), 4.83 (t, 1H), 4.15 (d, 2H), 3.60 (dq, 2H), 3.43 (dq, 2H), 2.39 (s,3H), 0.99 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.31 min, m/z=446/448 [M+H]+(³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl).

Step 2:1-(2-Chloro-4-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 2.32 g (5.2 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 84A/Step 1 gave, after double chromatography on aBiotage system (in each case 50 g Snap column; mobile phase gradienthexane/ethyl acetate, from 20% ethyl acetate increasing rapidly to 100%ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, increasing slowly to 100%methanol), 420 mg (10% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.46 (dd, 1H), 8.30 (s,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd,1H), 6.40 (s, 1H), 2.57 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.96 min, m/z=354/356 [M+H]⁺(³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl).

Step 3:4-Chloro-2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 420 mg (1.2 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 84A/Step 2 gave 395 mg (102% of theory) of the titlecompound as a crude product which was still very impure and which wasused without further purification in subsequent reactions.

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=324/326 [M+H]⁺(³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl).

Example 85A4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 2.22 g (8.01 mmol) of the compound ofExample 78A and 1.90 g (8.81 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene gave, after3 h of heating under reflux, a crude product which was purified bychromatography on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). This gave 1.93 g (49% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.18 (s, 2H), 9.10 (s, 1H), 7.58-7.64(m, 2H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 6.84 (s, 1H), 4.87 (t, 1H), 4.17(d, 2H), 3.52-3.63 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.45 (m, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 0.97 (t,6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.22 min, m/z=413 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 1.93 g (4.7 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 85A/Step 1 gave, after chromatography on a Biotagesystem (50 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient methylene chloride/0-7%methanol), 180 mg (11% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.18 (s, 2H), 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d,1H), 8.24 (dd, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.66 (d, 1H), 6.53 (s,1H), 2.39 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=321 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 169 mg (0.53 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 85A/Step 2 gave 113 mg (63% of theory, purity about85%) of the title compound as a crude product which was not purified anyfurther.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.17 (s, 2H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 7.83 (dd,1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.03 (d, 1H), 6.54-6.61 (m, 2H), 6.38 (d, 1H), 5.19(s, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.77 min, m/z=291 [M+H]⁺.

Example 86A2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 3.01 g (10.8 mmol) of the compound ofExample 78A and 2.75 g (11.9 mmol) of 5-bromo-2,4-dimethylnitrobenzenegave, after 3 h of heating under reflux, a crude product which waspurified by chromatography on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). This gave 3.70 g(65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.16 (s, 2H), 9.09 (s, 1H), 7.49 (s,1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 6.73 (s, 1H), 4.87 (t, 1H), 4.16 (d,2H), 3.51-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.34-3.47 (m, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H),0.98 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.31 min, m/z=427 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,4-Dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, two reactions of in each case 1.85 g(4.3 mmol) of the compound prepared in Example 86A/Step 1 gave acombined crude product which was purified by chromatography on a Biotagesystem (100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient methylene chloride/0-7%methanol). This gave 502 mg (17% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.17 (s, 2H), 9.07 (s, 1H), 8.09 (s,1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.63 (m, 2H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 2.31(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=335 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 498 mg (1.49 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 86A/Step 2 gave 331 mg (62% of theory, purity about85%) of the title compound as a crude product which was used withoutfurther purification.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.17 (s, 2H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 7.82 (d,1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 6.63 (s, 1H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 4.96 (s,2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.00 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.90 min, m/z=305 [M+H]⁺.

Example 87A4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 4.5 g (16.2 mmol) of the compound ofExample 79A and 3.86 g (17.8 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene gave, after3 h of heating under reflux, a crude product which was purified bychromatography on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). This gave 5.52 g (82% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.62 (dd, 1H), 9.20 (dd, 1H), 7.96(dd, 1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.62 (dd, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 6.95(s, 1H), 4.88 (t, 1H), 4.20 (d, 2H), 3.52-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.46 (m,2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 0.97 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.19 min, m/z=413 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, two reactions of in each case 2.76 g(6.7 mmol) of the compound prepared in Example 87A/Step 1 gave acombined crude product which was purified by chromatography on a Biotagesystem (100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient methylene chloride/0-7%methanol). This gave 1.56 g (36% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.63 (dd, 1H), 9.17 (dd, 1H), 8.29 (d,1H), 8.24 (dd, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 7.96 (dd, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.71 (d,1H), 6.68 (s, 1H), 2.38 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.91 min, m/z=321 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, two reactions of 500 mg (1.56 mmol)and 1.06 g (3.31 mmol), respectively, of the compound prepared inExample 87A/Step 2 gave, in total, 1.14 g (80% of theory) of the titlecompound as a crude product which was not purified any further.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.63 (dd, 1H), 9.15 (dd, 1H),7.95-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.87 (dd, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.04 (d, 1H), 6.56-6.61(m, 2H), 6.53 (s, 1H), 5.20 (s, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.81 min, m/z=291 [M+H]⁺.

Example 88A2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2,4-dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 1, 1.09 g (3.93 mmol) of the compound ofExample 80A and 996 mg (4.33 mmol) of 5-bromo-2,4-dimethylnitrobenzenegave, after 3 h of heating under reflux, a crude product which waspurified by chromatography on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). This gave 1.38 g(77% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.13 (dd, 1H), 8.11 (dd, 1H), 7.70(dd, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 6.72 (s, 1H), 4.87(t, 1H), 4.19 (d, 2H), 3.53-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.36-3.46 (m, 2H), 2.41 (s,3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 0.98 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.28 min, m/z=427 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2,4-Dimethyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 2, 1.38 g (3.24 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 88A/Step 1 gave, after chromatography on a Biotagesystem (100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient methylene chloride/0-7%methanol), 277 mg (23% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.11 (dd, 1H), 8.09-8.16 (m, 2H), 7.97(d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 6.52 (s, 1H), 2.55(s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.01 min, m/z=335 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Analogously to Example 13A/Step 3, 272 mg (0.81 mmol) of the compoundprepared in Example 88A/Step 2 gave 182 mg (63% of theory, about 85%pure) of the title compound as a crude product which was not purifiedany further.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.09 (dd, 1H), 8.11 (dd, 1H), 7.84 (d,1H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 6.34 (s,1H), 4.97 (s, 2H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=305 [M+H]⁺.

Example 89A4-Methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

Step 1:1-(2,2-Diethoxyethyl)-N-(2-methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-3-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-5-amine

Under nitrogen, 2.93 g (10.4 mmol) of the compound of Example 81Atogether with 2.47 g (11.4 mmol) of 2-bromo-4-nitrotoluene, 233 mg (1.04mmol) of palladium(II) acetate, 901 mg (1.56 mmol) of xantphos[4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene] and 10.2 g (31.1 mmol)of caesium carbonate in 43 ml of 1,4-dioxane were heated under refluxfor 3 h. After cooling, the mixture was filtered through Celite, thefilter cake was washed with ethyl acetate and the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product obtained in thismanner was purified on a Biotage system (100 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient ethyl acetate/0-8% methanol). This gave 3.26 g (75% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.99 (s, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 7.60 (dd,1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H), 4.80 (t,1H), 4.11 (d, 2H), 3.51-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.44 (m, 2H), 2.33 (s, 3H),0.96 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.31 min, m/z=418 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2:1-(2-Methyl-5-nitrophenyl)-6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole

0.9 ml (1.77 mmol) of 2 M sulphuric acid was added to a solution of 308mg (0.82 mmol) of the compound of Example 89A/Step 1 in 2.6 ml ofethanol, and the mixture was then heated in a microwave reactor at 125°C. for 20 min. After cooling, the reaction mixture was combined with twofurther reactions of in each case 1.63 g (3.9 mmol) of the compound ofExample 89A/Step 1 and diluted with 350 ml of ethyl acetate. The organicphase was washed once with 30 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonatesolution and once with saturated sodium chloride solution. After dryingover sodium sulphate and filtration, the mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure. The crude product obtained in this manner was purifiedon a Biotage system (100 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient methylenechloride/0-7% methanol). This gave 1.94 g (69% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.97 (s, 1H), 8.26 (d, 1H), 8.22 (dd,1H), 8.20 (d, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 6.31 (s,1H), 2.38 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=326 [M+H]⁺.

Step 3:4-Methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]aniline

13 mg of palladium (10% on activated carbon) were added to a solution of132 mg (0.41 mmol) of the compound of Example 89A/Step 2 in a mixture of3.2 ml of ethanol and 0.01 ml of water. After addition of 128 mg (2.3mmol) of ammonium formate, the reaction mixture was heated under refluxfor 1 h. After cooling, the mixture was filtered off through Celite, thefilter cake was washed with ethyl acetate and the filtrate was dilutedwith 200 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed once with 30ml of water and once with 30 ml of saturated sodium chloride solution.After drying over sodium sulphate and filtration, the filtrate wasconcentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product obtained in thismanner still contained starting material and was therefore reacted oncemore under analogous conditions with a further 1.81 g (5.56 mmol) of thecompound of Example 89A/Step 2. Since the crude product resulting fromthis reaction likewise still contained starting material, this materialwas reacted once more, where in this case only half the amount ofpalladium catalyst was used. The crude product obtained in this mannerwas finally purified on a Biotage system (500 g Snap column; mobilephase gradient hexane/60-100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/0-15%methanol). This gave 904 mg (49% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.94 (s, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d,1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 6.53-6.60 (m, 2H), 6.14 (s, 1H), 5.18(s, 2H), 2.03 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=296 [M+H]⁺.

Example 90A 3-(4,4-Difluoropiperidin-1-yl)benzoic acid

Step 1: Methyl 3-(4,4-difluoropiperidin-1-yl)benzoate

In a microwave reaction vessel, a solution of 500 mg (2.33 mmol) ofmethyl 3-bromobenzoate and 366 mg (2.33 mmol) of 4,4-difluoropiperidinehydrochloride in 15 ml of dioxane was deoxygenated by passing throughargon. 52 mg (0.233 mmol) of palladium(II) acetate, 202 mg (0.349 mmol)of 4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9,9-dimethylxanthene (xantphos) and 2.27 g(6.98 mmol) of caesium carbonate were then added. The microwave vesselwas closed with a crimp closure and, with magnetic stirring, heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at120-140° C. for 1.5 hours. After the reaction had ended the reactionmixture was filtered through a little kieselguhr and then evaporated todryness. The residue was separated into its components by preparativeHPLC (Method 33). Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of theresidue under high vacuum gave 342 mg (57% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.52-7.50 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.35 (m, 2H),7.32-7.28 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.38 (m, 4H), 2.06 (m, 4H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.09 min, m/z=256 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2: 3-(4,4-Difluoropiperidin-1-yl)benzoic acid

335 mg (1.31 mmol) of the compound of Example 90A/Step 1 were dissolvedin 13 ml of methanol, and 3.9 ml (3.94 mmol) of 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution were added. After the reaction mixture had beenstirred at RT for 7 h, the methanol was removed on a rotary evaporatorand the aqueous residue that remained was, with ice cooling, acidifiedwith 1 M hydrochloric acid. Part of the product precipitated out and wasfiltered off with suction, washed with water until neutral and driedunder high vacuum (280 mg, 88% of theory). A second fraction of theproduct was obtained by extraction of the aqueous mother liquor withethyl acetate and evaporation and drying of the organic extract (32 mg,10% of theory). Thus, 312 mg (98% of theory) of the title compound wereobtained in total.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.39 (dt, 1H), 7.35 (t,1H), 7.27 (ddd, 1H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 2.06 (m, 4H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.90 min, m/z=242 [M+H]⁺.

Example 91A 3-(1,1,1-Trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl)benzoic acid

Step 1: 2-(3-Bromophenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-ol

Under argon and with stirring, 22.7 ml (22.7 mmol) of a 1 M solution ofmethylmagnesium bromide in diethyl ether were added dropwise at 0° C. toa solution of 5.22 g (20.6 mmol) of1-(3-bromophenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethanone in 40 ml of anhydrous THF.After the addition had ended, the reaction mixture was stirred at 0° C.for another 30 min. Then—still at 0° C.—excess Grignard reagent washydrolyzed by careful addition of water. The mixture was then adjustedto a pH of about 5 by addition of 2 M hydrochloric acid. The phases wereseparated and the aqueous phase was extracted twice with in each caseabout 20 ml of diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were driedover magnesium sulphate, filtered and evaporated to dryness on a rotaryevaporator. This gave 5.32 g (95% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.38 (t,1H), 6.77 (s, 1H), 1.69 (s, 3H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=3.62 min, m/z=268/270 [M]⁺, 199/201[M-CF₃]⁺ (⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 2: 2-(3-Bromophenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-yl-methanesulphonate

Under argon and with stirring, a solution of 3.15 g (11.7 mmol) of thecompound of Example 91A/Step 1 in 20 ml of anhydrous THF was addeddropwise at RT to a suspension of 937 mg (23.4 mmol) of sodium hydride(60% in mineral oil) in 30 ml of anhydrous THF. After the dropwiseaddition had ended, the mixture was stirred at RT for another 1 h. Themixture was then warmed to 40° C. After 30 min—still at 40° C.—asolution of 1.8 ml (23.4 mmol) of methanesulphonyl chloride in 5 ml ofanhydrous THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was then stirredat this temperature for 1 h and then cooled to RT. 50 ml of water andthen 50 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution were addedcarefully and dropwise. The phases were separated, and the aqueous phasewas extracted twice with in each case about 100 ml of ethyl acetate. Thecombined organic phases were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered andevaporated to dryness on a rotary evaporator. The crude product obtainedin this manner was purified by trituration with a little hexane at RT.Filtration and drying under reduced pressure gave 3.70 g (91% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d,1H), 7.47 (t, 1H), 3.44 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=5.34 min, m/z=346/348 [M]⁺, 250/252[M-CH₃SO₃H]⁺ (⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 3: 1-Bromo-3-(1,1,1-trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl)benzene

Under argon and with stirring, 11.5 ml (23.0 mmol) of a 2 M solution oftrimethylaluminium in toluene were added dropwise at 0° C. to a solutionof 4.0 g (11.5 mmol) of the compound of Example 91A/Step 2 in 20 ml ofdichloromethane. After the dropwise addition had ended, the ice/waterbath was removed and stirring was continued at RT for another 1.5 h.Subsequently, 40 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution andthen 12 ml of saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution were addedcarefully and dropwise. The resulting precipitated organic salts werefiltered off through a little kieselguhr. The filter cake was washedtwice with dichloromethane. The combined filtrates were washed withsaturated sodium chloride solution and dried over magnesium sulphate.Evaporation of the solvent on a rotary evaporator gave 2.9 g (84% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.57 (d, 2H), 7.38 (t,1H), 1.55 (s, 6H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=3.14 min, m/z=266/268 [M]⁺, 197/199[M-CF₃]⁺ (⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Step 4: 3-(1,1,1-Trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl)benzoic acid

Under argon and with stirring, 824 μl (2.06 mmol) of a 2.5 M solution ofn-butyllithium in a hexane fraction was added dropwise at 0° C. to asolution of 500 mg (1.87 mmol) of the compound of Example 91A/Step 3 in15 ml of anhydrous diethyl ether. After the dropwise addition had ended,the mixture was stirred at 0° C. for another 1 h, and dry carbon dioxidegas was then introduced into the apparatus. After a further hour at 0°C., the reaction mixture was warmed to RT and about 50 ml of water wereadded. The phases were separated, and the ether phase was extracted oncewith water. The combined aqueous phases were then acidified by additionof 1 M hydrochloric acid and then extracted three times with in eachcase about 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts weredried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated to dryness on a rotaryevaporator. Drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 95 mg (21% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.07 (broad, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.93(d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.55 (t, 1H), 1.59 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.96 min, m/z=231 [M−H]⁻.

Example 92A 3-(2-Hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzoic acid

Under argon and at −78° C., 4 ml (9.95 mmol) of a 2.5 M solution ofn-butyllithium in a hexane fraction were added dropwise to a solution of1.0 g (4.97 mmol) of 3-bromobenzoic acid in 20 ml of anhydrous THF.After 20 min, 730 μl (9.95 mmol) of acetone were added dropwise at thesame temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at −78° C. for afurther hour and then allowed to warm to RT over the course of about 1h. The reaction mixture was then hydrolysed by careful addition of a fewdrops of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution. The mixture wasdiluted with 200 ml of water and extracted five times with in each caseabout 25 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washedwith saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesiumsulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator.The residue obtained was purified in four portions by preparative HPLC(Method 36). Pooling of the product fractions, evaporation and dryingunder high vacuum gave 356 mg (39% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (broad, 1H), 8.08 (t, 1H), 7.78(dt, 1H), 7.69 (dt, 1H), 7.42 (t, 1H), 5.14 (s, 1H), 1.44 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.62 min, m/z=179 [M−H]⁻.

Example 93A 3-(Pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperidin-1-yl)benzoic acid

Step 1: Methyl 3-bromo-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoate

5.0 g (15.3 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A were dissolved in 150ml of methanol and 2.2 ml (30.6 mmol) of thionyl chloride were addeddropwise at RT. The reaction mixture was then heated under reflux for 4h. After cooling to RT, the major part of the solvent except for aresidual volume of about 50 ml was removed on a rotary evaporator. Theresidue was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed successively withwater, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodiumchloride solution. After drying over magnesium sulphate, the mixture wasfiltered and concentrated. The crude product obtained in this manner waspurified by filtration with suction over about 50 g of silica gel withdichloromethane as mobile phase. Re-concentration gave 5.06 g (97% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.51 (t, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.27 (dd,1H), 3.92 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, no ionization.

Step 2: 3-(Pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperidin-1-yl)benzoic acid

A mixture of 200 mg (0.586 mmol) of the compound of Example 93A/Step 1,70 μl (0.704 mmol) of piperidine, 27 mg (0.029 mmol) oftris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium, 42 mg (0.088 mmol) of2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl and 141 mg (1.47mmol) of sodium tert-butoxide in 6 ml of toluene was heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 80° C.for 90 min. After cooling to RT, about 20 ml of water were added and themixture was extracted three times with in each case about 20 ml of ethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with saturatedaqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate,filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. The residueobtained was separated into its components by preparative HPLC (Method33). This gave two fractions: 41 mg (21% of theory) of the titlecompound and 27 mg (13% of theory) of the corresponding methyl ester.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.28 min, m/z=332 [M+H]⁺.

Example 94A3-(4-Cyanopiperidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

Analogously to the process described in Example 93A/Step 2, 400 mg (1.17mmol) of the compound of Example 93A/Step 1 and 155 mg (1.41 mmol) of4-cyanopiperidine gave 158 mg (37% of theory) of the title compound and104 mg (23% of theory) of the corresponding methyl ester.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.61 (broad, 1H), 7.67-7.65 (m, 2H),7.59 (t, 1H), 3.54-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.17 (m, 2H), 3.12-3.05 (m, 1H),2.04-1.96 (m, 2H), 1.87-1.78 (m, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.99 min, m/z=357 [M+H]⁺.

Example 95A3-(4-Methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

Analogously to the process described in Example 93A/Step 2, 200 mg(0.586 mmol) of the compound of Example 93A/Step 1 and 81 mg (0.704mmol) of 4-methoxypiperidine gave 49 mg (23% of theory) of the titlecompound and 23 mg (10% of theory) of the corresponding methyl ester.

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=362 [M+H]⁺.

Example 96A3-(3-Methoxyazetidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

Step 1: Methyl3-(3-methoxyazetidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoate

Analogously to the process described in Example 93A/Step 2, 220 mg(0.645 mmol) of the compound of Example 93A/Step 1 and 120 mg (0.967mmol) of 3-methoxyazetidine hydrochloride gave 88 mg (37% of theory) ofthe title compound and 35 mg (16% of theory) of the correspondingbenzoic acid.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 7.04 (t,1H), 4.37-4.32 (m, 1H), 4.18 (dd, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.78 (dd, 2H), 3.25(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=348 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2: 3-(3-Methoxyazetidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

80 mg (0.230 mmol) of the compound of Example 96A/Step 1 were dissolvedin 3 ml of methanol and with 691 μl (0.691 mmol) of 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution were added. The reaction mixture was stirredinitially at RT for about 18 h and then at 50° C. for 10 h. The reactionmixture was then acidified by addition of 1 M hydrochloric acid. Themixture was extracted three times with in each case about 10 ml of ethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with saturatedaqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate,filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator. Drying ofthe residue under high vacuum gave 78 mg (96% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.49 (broad, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.15(m, 1H), 7.00 (t, 1H), 4.37-4.32 (m, 1H), 4.17 (dd, 2H), 3.77 (dd, 2H),3.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=334 [M+H]⁺.

Example 97A3-(2-tert-Butoxy-2-oxoethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

Step 1: Methyl3-(2-tert-butoxy-2-oxoethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoate

Under argon, 2.40 g (36.6 mmol) of zinc dust were initially charged in20 ml of anhydrous diethyl ether and with 265 μl (2.09 mmol) ofchlorotrimethylsilane were added. After 15 min of stirring at RT, themixture was heated under reflux. The heating bath was then removed, and5.4 ml (36.6 mmol) of tert-butyl bromoacetate were added dropwise suchthat the mixture remained at the boil. After the dropwise addition hadended, the mixture was, with the aid of the heating bath, heated underreflux for a further 1 h. The organozinc solution obtained in thismanner was then allowed to cool to RT.

Under argon, a solution of 2.5 g (7.33 mmol) of the compound of Example93A/Step 1 in 15 ml of anhydrous THF was added to 9 ml of the organozincsolution prepared above [corresponds to about 14.7 mmol ofbromo(2-tert-butoxy-2-oxoethyl)zinc]. 104 mg (0.147 mmol) of1,2,3,4,5-pentaphenyl-1′-(di-tert-butylphosphino)ferrocene (Q-Phos) and84 mg (0.147 mmol) of bis-(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium were thenadded, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. Since at this stagethe reaction was still incomplete, the remaining organozinc solution wasadded and the resulting mixture was heated at 60° C. for 20 h. Aftercooling to RT, the mixture was diluted with 400 ml of ethyl acetate. Themixture was washed successively with in each case about 200 ml of waterand saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. The mixture was driedover magnesium sulphate and filtered, and the solvent was removed on arotary evaporator. The crude product obtained in this manner waspurified by filtration with suction through about 120 g of silica gelusing the mobile phase petroleum ether/dichloromethane 2:1→1:3.Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of the residue underhigh vacuum gave 1.21 g (43% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 8.33 (t, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.88 (t,1H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 1.45 (s, 9H).

GC/MS (Method 8, EIpos): R_(t)=5.37 min, m/z=289 [M-87]⁺.

Step 2: 3-(2-tert-Butoxy-2-oxoethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

At RT, 25.7 ml (6.43 mmol) of 0.25 M aqueous lithium hydroxide solutionwere added to a solution of 1.21 g (3.22 mmol) of the compound ofExample 97A/Step 1 in 28 ml of THF. After 2 h at RT, the reactionmixture was poured into 250 ml of water and adjusted with acetic acid toa weakly acidic pH. The mixture was quickly extracted three times within each case about 75 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extractswere washed once with saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, driedover magnesium sulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotaryevaporator. At RT, the crude product obtained in this manner was stirredin 20 ml of pentane/diisopropyl ether 20:1 for 20 min. The solid wasfiltered off with suction, washed with pentane and dried under highvacuum. This gave 845 mg (72% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.68 (broad, 1H), 8.18 (dd, 1H), 8.13(s, 1H), 8.11 (dd, 1H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.12 min, m/z=361 [M−H]⁻.

Example 98A3-[(2-Methoxyethoxy)methyl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid

Step 1: 2-Methoxyethyl3-[(2-methoxyethoxy)methyl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoate

At 0° C., 86 mg (2.16 mmol) of sodium hydride (60% strength suspensionin mineral oil) were added to a solution of 200 mg (0.719 mmol) of thecompound of Example 37A in 5.7 ml of anhydrous DMF, and the mixture wasthen warmed to RT. 300 mg (2.16 mmol) of 2-bromoethyl methyl ether werethen added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for about 16h. After cooling to RT, 1 ml of methanol was added. In two portions, thereaction mixture was then separated into its components by preparativeHPLC (Method 33). The product fractions were combined and concentratedon a rotary evaporator and the residue was dried under high vacuum. Thisgave 58 mg (20% of theory) of the title compound. In addition, 138 mg(57% of theory) of 2-methoxyethyl3-(hydroxymethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoate were isolated,which were then reacted once more in the manner described above with2-bromoethyl methyl ether to give a further 30 mg of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 8.34 (t, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s,1H), 4.67 (s, 2H), 4.52 (m, 2H), 3.74 (m, 2H), 3.69 (m, 2H), 3.61 (m,2H), 3.43 (s, 3H), 3.41 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.12 min, m/z=395 [M+H]⁺.

Step 2: 3-[(2-Methoxyethoxy)methyl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

85 mg (0.194 mmol) of the compound of Example 98A/Step 1 were dissolvedin 2 ml of THF and 204 μl (0.204 mmol) of a 1 M solution of lithiumhydroxide in water were added. The reaction mixture was then stirredinitially at RT for 1 h and then at 5-8° C. for about 16 h. Afterwarming to RT, 2 ml of water and 14 μl (0.242 mmol) of glacial aceticacid were added and the reaction mixture was then separated into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 36). The product fractions werecombined and concentrated on a rotary evaporator and the residue wasdried under high vacuum. This gave 60 mg (92% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 13.70 (broad, 1H), 8.20 (t, 1H), 8.17(s, 1H), 7.11 (t, 1H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.63 (m, 2H), 3.51 (m, 2H), 3.26(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.96 min, m/z=335 [M−H]⁻.

Example 99A 3-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-methyloxetane

Step 1: Diethyl (3-bromophenyl)malonate

Preparation of ethyl 3-bromophenylacetate: 2.5 ml of conc. sulphuricacid were added to a solution of 25 g (116 mmol) of 3-bromophenylaceticacid in 170 ml of ethanol. The mixture was heated under reflux for 20 h.After cooling, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure andthe residue was dissolved in 800 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phasewas washed three times with in each case 50 ml of saturated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution and twice with in each case 50 ml ofsaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphateand, after filtration, concentrated under reduced pressure. The residueobtained in this manner was purified by column chromatography on silicagel using the mobile phase hexane/0-20% ethyl acetate. This gave 27.8 g(98% of theory) of ethyl 3-bromophenylacetate.

Preparation of the Title Compound:

At 150° C., a solution of 27.8 g (114 mmol) of ethyl3-bromophenylacetate in 100 ml of toluene was added dropwise over aperiod of 30 minutes to a suspension of 13.7 g (343 mmol) of sodiumhydride (60% strength suspension in mineral oil) in 299 ml of tolueneand 54 g (457 mmol) of diethyl carbonate, and the mixture was thenheated under reflux for 3 h. After cooling, the reaction mixture waspoured into ice water and extracted three times with in each case 250 mlof ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed once with 100ml of saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphateand, after filtration, concentrated under reduced pressure. The residueobtained in this manner was purified by column chromatography on silicagel using the mobile phase hexane/0-20% ethyl acetate. This gave 31.8 g(88% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.56 (t, 1H), 7.52 (dt, 1H), 7.34-7.39(m, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 5.00 (s, 1H), 4.06-4.18 (m, 4H), 1.14 (t, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.32 min, m/z=315 [M−H]⁻.

Step 2: 3-(3-Bromophenyl)-3-methyloxetane

Methylation:

At RT, 6.55 g (121 mmol) of sodium methoxide were added to a solution of31.8 g (101 mmol) of the compound of Example 99A/Step 1 in 220 ml ofethanol. After complete dissolution, 7.54 ml (121 mmol) of iodomethanewere added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. Thereaction mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and theresidue was taken up in 800 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic phase waswashed twice with in each case 50 ml of water and once with saturatedsodium chloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate and, afterfiltration, concentrated under reduced pressure. Since the crude productobtained in this manner still contained starting material, the crudeproduct was reacted three more times in the manner described above, ineach case using only 1.5 g (24.1 mmol) of sodium methoxide and 1.5 g(27.8 mmol) of iodomethane. The crude product finally obtained waspurified by column chromatography on silica gel using the mobile phasehexane/0-20% ethyl acetate. This gave 25.7 g of a mixture of methyl andethyl esters with diethyl (3-bromophenyl)(methyl)malonate as maincomponent.

Reduction:

At 0° C., 988 mg (3.0 mmol) of the diester prepared above, dissolved in100 ml of THF, were added dropwise to a solution of 171 mg (4.5 mmol) oflithium aluminium hydride in 200 ml of THF. The mixture was stirredinitially at RT for 30 min and then at 40° C. for 4 h. The mixture wasthen cooled to 0° C., and 20 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonatesolution were added carefully. The mixture was filtered through Celiteand then extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried oversodium sulphate and, after filtration, concentrated under reducedpressure. Purification of the crude product was carried out togetherwith that of the crude product of a second analogous reaction with 21 g(44.8 mmol) of the diester prepared above, by column chromatography onsilica gel using the mobile phase hexane/ethyl acetate 8:1→1:2. Thisgave 9.0 g (76% of theory) of2-(3-bromophenyl)-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol.

Preparation of the Title Compound:

428 mg (1.63 mmol) of triphenylphosphine were added to a solution of 200mg (0.82 mmol) of the diol prepared above in 5.0 ml of toluene. After 10min of stirring at RT, 374 mg (1.22 mmol) of ziram (zincdimethyldithiocarbamate) were added and 284 mg (1.63 mmol) of diethylazodicarboxylate as a 40% strength solution in toluene were addeddropwise. The reaction mixture was then stirred at RT for 18 h. Afterfiltration over Celite, the filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. This crude product was combined with those of two furtherreactions (200 mg and 1.1 g of diol, respectively) and purified bycolumn chromatography on silica gel using the mobile phase hexane/0-10%ethyl acetate. The 700 mg of still impure material obtained in thismanner were re-purified in identical fashion together with the materialobtained from four further reactions (one reaction of 1.1 g of diol andthree reactions of in each case 2.33 g of diol). This gave 5.0 g (69% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 7.37-7.43 (m, 2H), 7.29 (t, 1H),7.19-7.24 (m, 1H), 4.74 (d, 2H), 4.48 (d, 2H), 1.57 (s, 3H).

WORKING EXAMPLES Example 1N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperazin-1-yl)benzamide

210 mg (0.19 mmol, purity 61%) of the compound from Example 47A werestirred in 4.4 ml of a 25% strength solution of trifluoroacetic acid inmethylene chloride at RT for 30 min. The mixture was then concentratedunder reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in a little methanoland added to semiconcentrated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. After15 min of stirring at RT, 15 ml of ethyl acetate were added. Theprecipitate formed was filtered off, and the organic phase of thefiltrate was separated off, washed with water, dried over sodiumsulphate, filtered and concentrated. Drying of the residue under reducedpressure gave 41 mg (37% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (br. s, 1H), 10.55 (s, 1H), 8.01(br. s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.78 (m, 3H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H),7.55 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 3.38 (m, 4H),3.06 (m, 4H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=593 [M+H]⁺.

Example 23-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

At 80° C., 90 mg (0.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 48A were stirredin 0.61 ml of trifluoroacetic acid for 3 h. The reaction was thenconcentrated and the residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method18). The product fractions were concentrated, and the residue wasdissolved in ethyl acetate and washed successively with saturatedpotassium carbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 40mg (53% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (br, 1H), 10.53 (s, 1H), 8.01(br, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.81-7.71 (m, 5H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H),7.41 (d, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H) [further signals obscured bysolvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=607 [M+H]⁺.

Example 3N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(morpholin-4-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

At 80° C., 98 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 49A were stirredin 0.56 ml of trifluoroacetic acid for 3 h. The reaction was thenconcentrated, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and thesolution was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. After drying of the residue under high vacuum,the crude product was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 29). Theproduct fractions were combined and concentrated, and the residue wastaken up in ethyl acetate and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonatesolution. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. Drying under high vacuum gave afirst product fraction (39 mg). A second product fraction of a further19 mg was obtained from the combined mixed fractions of the HPLCseparation by concentrating these fractions followed by re-purificationby the same method by preparative HPLC. This gave a total of 58 mg (69%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (br. s, 1H), 10.53 (s, 1H), 8.01(br. s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.81-7.75 (m, 4H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.52 (t,1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.41 (d, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 3.76 (m, 4H), 2.27 (s,3H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=594 [M+H]⁺.

Example 43-(2-Hydroxypropan-2-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

The compound from Example 7A (2.63 g, 9.45 mmol) was dissolved in 55 mlof DMF. HATU (7.91 g, 20.8 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (8.31 ml, 75.6mmol) were added, and the mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. Themixture was then cooled to −5° C. and the compound from Example 19A(5.79 g, 18.9 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for a further 45min, concentrated aqueous ammonia solution was then added and themixture was stirred for another 15 min. The mixture was then extractedwith ethyl acetate, and the organic extract was washed with conc. sodiumchloride solution, dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated. Thecrude product was purified by preparative HPLC [column: Waters SunfireC-18 5 μm, 250 mm×20 mm; ternary gradient water/acetonitrile/1% TFA inwater: 0-6.7 min 45:50:5, ramp, 6.9-9.0 min 0:95:5]. This gave 3.86 g(72% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.64 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, 2H), 8.17 (s,1H), 7.92 (m, 3H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d,1H), 5.95 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=594 [M+H]⁺.

Example 5N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)-benzamide

At 80° C., 25 mg (0.025 mmol, 57% pure) of the compound from Example 50Awere stirred in 0.5 ml of trifluoroacetic acid for 6 h. Afterconcentration of the mixture under reduced pressure, the residue waspurified by preparative HPLC (Method 11). This gave 6.0 mg (53% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.62 (s, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.27 (d,1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.91 (s, 2H), 7.82-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.45(d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 5.94 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.94 min, m/z=451 [M+H]⁺.

Example 63-(2-Methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

60 mg (0.09 mmol) of the compound of Example 51A were reacted and workedup analogously to the procedure of Example 2. This gave 20 mg (40% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (s, 1H), 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.79 (m,3H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 6.99 (d, 1H), 5.92 (s,1H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.91 min, m/z=531 [M+H]⁺.

Example 73-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

140 mg (0.2 mmol) of the compound of Example 52A were reactedanalogously to the procedure of Example 2. Here, purification of thecrude product was by preparative HPLC according to Method 11. This gave38 mg (44% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.36 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.91 (m,3H), 7.80-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.63 (d, 1H), 7.48-7.41 (m, 3H), 5.94 (s, 1H),2.26 (s, 3H), 1.33 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=439 [M+H]⁺.

Example 83-tert-Butyl-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

68 mg (76% pure, 79 μmol) of the compound of Example 57A were initiallycharged in 0.32 ml of trifluoroacetic acid and stirred at 80° C. for 3h. The mixture was then purified directly by preparative HPLC (Method29). The product fractions were concentrated under reduced pressure andthe residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with saturatedaqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was dried oversodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Thisgave 41 mg (97% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (br. s, 1H), 10.25 (s, 1H), 8.01(br. s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.84-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.37(s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.14 (s, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 3.23 (m, 4H), 2.31(m, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.31 (s, 9H) [further signals obscured by solventpeaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=537 [M+H]⁺.

Example 93-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzamide

80 mg (0.13 mmol) of the compound of Example 53A were reactedanalogously to the procedure of Example 2. This gave 27 mg (39% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (br, 1H), 10.36 (s, 1H), 8.02(s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.81-7.77 (m, 3H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H),7.42 (m, 2H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 3.65 (br, 2H), 2.46 (br, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H),1.71 (br, 4H), 1.33 (s, 9H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=522 [M+H]⁺.

Example 10N-{4-Methyl-3-[3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperazin-1-yl)benzamide

65 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A, 68 mg (0.158 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 16A and 72 mg (0.19 mmol) of HATU were initiallycharged in 0.9 ml of DMF, 0.033 ml (0.19 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added and the mixture was stirred at RTfor 1 h. The reaction was then stirred into 10 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution. After 10 min of further stirring at RT, theprecipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried. Theintermediate obtained in this manner was dissolved in 0.5 ml oftrifluoroacetic acid and stirred at 80° C. for 6 h. The mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bydouble preparative HPLC (Method 18). This gave 18 mg (19% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (br, 1H), 10.51 (s, 1H),8.10-7.80 (br, 2H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.74-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.46 (t, 1H), 7.43(d, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 3.22 (m, 4H), 2.84 (m, 4H), 2.41(s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.77 min, m/z=607 [M+H]⁺.

Example 11N-{4-Methyl-3-[3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

115 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 54A were reacted andworked up analogously to the procedure of Example 2. This gave 64 mg(65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (br, 1H), 10.51 (s, 1H),8.05-7.78 (br, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.74-7.71 (m, 3H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.43(d, 1H), 7.14 (d, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.23(s, 3H) [further signals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.82 min, m/z=621 [M+H]⁺.

Example 123-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

At 90° C., 115 mg (0.23 mmol) of the compound of Example 56A werestirred in 1.5 ml of trifluoroacetic acid for 60 min. The reaction wasthen concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 21). The product fractions were combined,concentrated almost completely under reduced pressure and made alkalinewith a little saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Theresulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and driedunder high vacuum. This gave 60 mg (46% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.85 (br, 1H), 10.76 (s, 1H), 8.85(s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.05-7.78 (br, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H),7.73 (dd, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.16 (d, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H),2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=548 [M+H]⁺.

Example 133-Methoxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

60 mg (0.15 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A and 40 mg (0.15 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 25A were reacted analogously to the procedure ofExample 10, except that here the reaction was stirred withtrifluoroacetic acid at 80° C. only for 3 h (instead of 6 h). This gave36 mg (43% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (br, 1H), 10.59 (s, 1H), 8.04(s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.80 (s, 1H), 7.73(dd, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 3.94(s, 3H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=553 [M+H]⁺.

Example 143-(2-Methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[3-methyl-6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

70 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 9A and 50 mg (0.19 mmol) of3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid [lit.: WO2004/005281-A1, Example 91b] were reacted analogously to the procedureof Example 13. This gave 58 mg (71% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (br, 1H), 10.63 (s, 1H), 8.35(s, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.80(s, 1H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 6.99(d, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=545 [M+H]⁺.

Example 15N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

150 mg (0.52 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 128 mg (0.52 mmol) of3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid and 237 mg (0.62 mmol) of HATUwere initially charged in 1.8 ml of DMF, 0.11 ml (0.62 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added and the reaction was stirred at RTfor 1 h. The reaction was then stirred into 15 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution. After a further 10 min of stirring at RT, theprecipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried. Thisgave 235 mg (83% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.69 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 8.20-8.16 (m, 2H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.92(d, 1H), 7.84-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H),6.37 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 2, ESIpos): R_(t)=2.24 min, m/z=520 [M+H]⁺.

Example 163-(2-Methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 57 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 26A and 79 mg (0.207 mmol) of HATU wereinitially charged in 0.6 ml of DMF, 36 μl (0.207 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added and the mixture was stirred at RTfor 16 h. The reaction was then stirred into 10 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution. After a further 10 min of stirring at RT, theprecipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried. Thisgave 66 mg (62% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.70 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.47 (m,2H), 8.36 (s, 2H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.94 (m, 2H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d,1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 6.36 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s,3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.86 min, m/z=600 [M+H]⁺.

Example 17N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperazin-1-yl)benzamide

120 mg (0.42 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 179 mg (0.42 mmol)of the compound of Example 16A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. In this manner, 260 mg (89% of theory) ofthe Boc-protected intermediate tert-butyl4-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-phenyl]piperazine-1-carboxylatewere obtained. This compound was dissolved in 3 ml of 1,4-dioxane and 1ml of methanol, 0.31 ml (1.24 mmol) of a 4 M solution of hydrogenchloride in 1,4-dioxane was added and the mixture was stirred at 80° C.for 1 h. The mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure andthe residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). The productfractions were concentrated and the residue was dissolved in ethylacetate and washed successively with saturated potassium carbonatesolution and saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase wasdried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. Drying of the residue gave 155 mg (62% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.54 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 7.92 (m, 2H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.69 (s,1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.22 (m,4H), 2.85 (m, 4H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 1, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.96 min, m/z=604 [M+H]⁺.

Example 183-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 79.6 mg (0.17 mmol)of the compound of Example 17A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 82 mg (77% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.55 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 7.93 (m, 2H), 7.79 (m, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s,1H), 7.50-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.22 (m, 4H), 2.85(m, 4H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H) [further signals obscured by solventpeaks].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=618 [M+H]⁺.

Example 19N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(morpholin-4-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 58 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 18A and 79 mg (0.21 mmol) of HATU were dissolvedin 1.0 ml of DMF, 38 μl (0.35 mmol) of 4-methylmorpholine were added andthe mixture was stirred at RT for 16 h. 10 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution were then added, and the mixture was stirred at RTfor another 10 min. The precipitate formed was filtered off, washed withwater and dried under high vacuum. This crude product was then purifiedby preparative HPLC (Method 29). The product fractions were concentratedunder reduced pressure and the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate andwith saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic phase was driedover sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure.This gave 55 mg (53% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.56 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.93 (t, 2H), 7.81-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.55(d, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.77(t, 4H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=605 [M+H]⁺.

Example 203-Hydroxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

300 mg (1.04 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 301 mg (1.14 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 24A and 473 mg (1.24 mmol) of HATU wereinitially charged in 3.6 ml of DMF, 0.36 ml (2.07 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine was added and the mixture was stirred at RTfor two days. The reaction was then directly separated into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 18). This gave 180 mg (31% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.73 (s, 1H), 10.60 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d,1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.86 (s,1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.65 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 3H), 6.37(s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.92 min, m/z=536 [M+H]⁺.

Example 213-Methoxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

30 mg (0.10 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 29 mg (0.10 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 25A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 32 mg (55% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.63 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.84 (s,1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.08 min, m/z=550 [M+H]⁺.

Example 223-(2-Aminoethoxy)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

40 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 62 mg (0.15 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 29A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. In this manner, 81 mg (86% of theory) ofthe Boc-protected intermediate tert-butyl{2-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenoxy]ethyl}carbamatewere obtained. This compound was stirred in 1 ml of dichloromethane and0.5 ml of trifluoroacetic acid at RT for 2 h. The mixture was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 18). The product-containing fractions werecombined and concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue wasdissolved in ethyl acetate and washed successively with saturatedpotassium carbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 61 mg (76% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.63 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.84 (s,1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 4.11 (t, 2H), 2.91 (t, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.71 min, m/z=579 [M+H]⁺.

Example 233-(3-Aminopropoxy)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 73 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 30A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. In this manner, 118 mg (98% of theory) ofthe Boc-protected intermediate tert-butyl{3-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenoxy]propyl}carbamatewere obtained. This compound was dissolved in 3 ml of 1,4-dioxane and 1ml of methanol, 0.13 ml (0.52 mmol) of a 4 M solution of hydrogenchloride in 1,4-dioxane was added and the mixture was stirred at 80° C.for 1 h. The mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure andthe residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Theproduct-containing fractions were combined and concentrated underreduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate andwashed successively with saturated potassium carbonate solution andsaturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried oversodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure.Drying of the residue gave 41 mg (38% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.61 (br, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48(dd, 1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.84(s, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42(dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 4.22 (t, 2H), 2.71 (t, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.83(m, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=593 [M+H]⁺.

Example 243-(Azetidin-3-yloxy)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

37.6 mg (0.13 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 60 mg (0.14 mmol)of the compound of Example 31A were reacted analogously to the procedureof Example 16, except that here, the isolation of the intermediate, theBoc-protected compound tert-butyl3-[3-({4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenoxy]azetidin-1-carboxylate,was carried out by preparative HPLC (Method 11). In this manner, 42 mg(47% of theory) of the Boc-protected intermediate were obtained. Thiscompound was dissolved in 1 ml of methylene chloride, 0.5 ml oftrifluoroacetic acid was added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 2h. The mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure and theresidue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Afterconcentration of the product-containing fractions, the residue wasdissolved in ethyl acetate and washed successively with saturatedpotassium carbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 24 mg (90% pure, 28%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.64 (br, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48(dd, 1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.79(d, 1H), 7.67 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.47 (m, 2H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37(s, 1H), 5.22 (quint, 1H), 3.80 (t, 2H), 3.52 (t, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H),1.83 (m, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.73 min, m/z=591 [M+H]⁺.

Example 25N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)benzamide

150 mg (0.28 mmol) of the compound of Example 20, 89 mg (0.34 mmol) oftert-butyl 3-[(methyl-sulphonyl)oxy]pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate [lit.e.g.: P. Kocalka et al., Tetrahedron 2006, 62 (24), 5763-5774] and 201mg (0.62 mmol) of caesium carbonate in 3 ml of DMF were heated at 90° C.for 6 h. The reaction was then stirred into 15 ml of 0.1 M aqueoussodium hydroxide solution and the mixture was stirred at RT for another10 min. The precipitate formed was filtered off, washed with water anddried under reduced pressure. The intermediate obtained in this mannerwas stirred in 3 ml of dichloromethane and 1 ml of trifluoroacetic acidat RT for 1 h. The mixture was then concentrated under reduced pressureand the residue was purified by preparative HPLC (Method 18). Afterconcentration of the product-containing fractions, the residue wasdissolved in ethyl acetate and washed successively with saturatedpotassium carbonate solution and saturated sodium chloride solution. Theorganic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentratedunder reduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 101 mg (90% pure, 60%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.70 (br, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.81 (s,1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.47 (s, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 5.09 (br,1H), 3.07 (dd, 1H), 2.89 (m, 2H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m,1H), 1.78 (m, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=605 [M+H]⁺.

Example 26N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(methylsulphonyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

66 mg (0.228 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 74 mg (0.228 mmol)of the compound of Example 32A were dissolved in 1.5 ml of anhydrousDMF, and 104 mg (0.273 mmol) of HATU and 48 μl (0.273 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. The reaction mixturewas stirred at RT for 4 h and then separated completely into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 9). The product fractions werecombined and concentrated to dryness on a rotary evaporator. This gavethe title compound in the form of its formic acid salt. For conversioninto the salt-free form, the formate was dissolved in about 5 ml ofmethanol and passed over a bicarbonate cartridge (from Polymerlabs,Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol). Afterre-evaporation, the residue was triturated with a little diisopropylether at RT. Filtration with suction and drying of the solid under highvacuum gave 72.6 mg (53% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.73 (br. s, 1H), 8.97 (s, 1H),8.69-8.68 (m, 2H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 7.80 (s,1H), 7.73 (dd, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.31 (dd, 1H), 6.95 (d,1H), 5.94 (s, 1H), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=598 [M+H]⁺.

Example 273-Chloro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 80 mg (0.276 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 78 mg (0.276 mmol) of the compound ofExample 33A gave 101 mg (66% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.85 (br. s, 1H), 8.50(dd, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.11 (dt, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 7.91 (t, 1H), 7.81(s, 1H), 7.63 (dd, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.39 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.95(d, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=554/556 [M+H]⁺.

Example 283-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

1.00 g (3.46 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A, 944 mg (3.46 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 23A and 1.58 g (4.15 mmol) of HATU weredissolved in 12.1 ml of anhydrous DMF, and 0.72 ml (4.15 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine was added. The reaction mixture was stirred atRT for 1 h and then stirred into 120 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution. After a further 10 min of stirring at RT, theprecipitate formed was filtered off and dried. This crude product wasthen separated into its components by preparative HPLC (Method 23). Theproduct fractions were combined and concentrated to dryness on a rotaryevaporator. The product obtained was suspended in a mixture of 10 ml ofacetonitrile and 10 ml of water, made alkaline with a little saturatedsodium bicarbonate solution and stirred at RT for 10 min. The solid wasfiltered off, washed with water and dried. This gave 1.12 g (69% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.80 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.86 (s,1H), 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.94 (dd,2H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s,1H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.01 min, m/z=545 [M+H]⁺.

Example 29N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)isophthalamide

In the preparation and work-up of Example 28, the title compound wasisolated as a by-product. The appropriate fractions from the HPLCseparation (according to Method 23) were combined and evaporated todryness on a rotary evaporator. The product obtained was then suspendedin a mixture of 2 ml of acetonitrile and 2 ml of water, made alkalinewith a little saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and stirred at RTfor 10 min. The solid was filtered off, washed with water and dried.This gave 154 mg of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.80 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.77 (s,1H), 8.55 (d, 2H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.46 (br, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.96 (d,1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.86 (br, 1H), 7.81 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d,1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.87 min, m/z=563 [M+H]⁺.

Example 303-Methyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 80 mg (0.276 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 73 mg (0.276 mmol) of the compound ofExample 34A gave 101 mg (61% of theory, 90% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.51 (br. s, 1H), 8.51(dd, 1H), 8.13 (dt, 1H), 8.09 (s, 1H), 7.86-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.73 (s, 1H),7.60 (dd, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.38 (d, 1H), 7.31 (dd, 1H), 6.95 (d, 1H),5.99 (s, 1H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 313-(Hydroxymethyl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

62 mg (0.21 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 60 mg (0.21 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 37A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. The product obtained in this manner wasre-purified by preparative HPLC (Method 15). The product-containingfractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, and theresidue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed successively withsaturated potassium carbonate solution and saturated sodium chloridesolution. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate, filtered andconcentrated under reduced pressure. Drying of the residue gave 40 mg(48% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.70 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d,1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.81 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 5.65 (t, 1H), 4.69 (d, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=550 [M+H]⁺.

Example 32 3-(2-Hydroxypropan-2-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 52.9 mg (0.17 mmol)of the compound of Example 19A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 19. This gave 49 mg (49% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.65 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.92(d, 1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37(s, 1H), 5.54 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=578 [M+H]⁺.

Example 33N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzamide

45 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 70 mg (0.16 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 38A were reacted analogously to the procedure ofExample 16, except that here the reaction was, after the reaction hadended, directly separated into its components by preparative HPLC(Method 15). The product-containing fractions were combined andconcentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved inethyl acetate and washed successively with saturated potassium carbonatesolution and saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase wasdried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. Drying of the residue gave 48 mg (51% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1H), 8.19 (m, 1H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d,1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.79 (br, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.73 (br, 4H) [furthersignals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.80 min, m/z=603 [M+H]⁺.

Example 343-{[(3S)-3-Hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl]methyl}-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure for Example 33, 44 mg (0.15 mmol) of thecompound of Example 6A and 70 mg (0.15 mmol) of the compound of Example39A gave 38 mg (39% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.69 (br, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.19 (m, 2H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d,1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s,1H), 4.75 (br, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 3.75 (quart, 2H), 2.70 (quart, 1H),2.63 (quart, 1H), 2.45 (m, 1H), 2.35 (dd, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.01 (m,1H), 1.57 (m, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.75 min, m/z=619 [M+H]⁺.

Example 35N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)benzamide

90 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example 55A and 34 mg (0.18 mmol)of tert-butyl piperazine-1-carboxylate were dissolved in 3.2 ml ofdichloromethane, 52 mg (0.25 mmol) of sodium triacetoxyborohydride wereadded and the mixture was stirred at RT for 3 h. 3 ml of water were thenadded, and the mixture was extracted with 6 ml of ethyl acetate. Theorganic phase was washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, driedover sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure.The residue was then stirred in 2 ml of dichloromethane and 1 ml oftrifluoroacetic acid at RT for 2 h. The reaction was then concentratedon a rotary evaporator and the residue was separated into its componentsby preparative HPLC (Method 24). The product-containing fractions werecombined and concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue driedunder high vacuum. This gave 11 mg (11% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.67 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.17 (m, 2H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92(d, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37(s, 1H), 3.63 (s, 2H), 2.71 (br, 4H), 2.34 (br, 4H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.77 min, m/z=616 [M−H]⁻.

Example 363-[(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure for Example 33, 60 mg (0.18 mmol) of thecompound of Example 6A and 85 mg (0.18 mmol) of the compound of Example40A gave 73 mg (65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.19 (m, 2H), 8.03 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d,1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.38 (s,1H), 3.66 (s, 2H), 2.50-2.20 (br, 8H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.74 min, m/z=632 [M+H]⁺.

Example 373-(3-Hydroxyazetidin-3-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamidebis(trifluoroacetate)

65 mg (0.09 mmol) of the compound of Example 58A were dissolved in 0.5ml of 1,4-dioxane, 2.0 ml of a 4 M solution of hydrogen chloride indioxane were added and the mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. Themixture was then concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue wasdissolved in a little methanol and stirred into semiconcentrated aqueoussodium bicarbonate solution and the mixture was stirred at RT foranother 15 min. The solid formed was filtered off, washed with water anddried. The product obtained in this manner was re-purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 30). This gave 33 mg (43% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.77 (s, 1H), 9.29 (br. s, 1H), 9.12(s, 1H), 8.82 (br, 1H), 8.58 (d, 1H), 8.45 (m, 2H), 8.40 (d, 1H), 8.25(t, 1H), 7.97 (m, 2H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.63-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.51 (d, 1H),7.15 (s, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 4.48 (m, 2H), 4.13 (m, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.74 min, m/z=591 [M+H]⁺.

Example 383-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethoxy)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure for Example 33, 50 mg (0.17 mmol) of thecompound of Example 6A and 40 mg (0.18 mmol) of the compound of Example41A were reacted with one another. After purification of the crudeproduct by preparative HPLC, the product-containing fractions wereconcentrated to a small residual volume and made alkaline with a littlesaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The precipitate formedwas filtered off, washed with water and dried. This gave 56 mg (65% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.69 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (m,2H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d,1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s,1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=503 [M+H]⁺.

Example 39N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)-benzamide

19 mg (0.1 mmol) of 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid were initiallycharged in a well of a 96-well multititre plate. 27.1 mg (0.1 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 6A and 41.7 mg (0.13 mmol) ofN-[(1H-benzotriazol-1-yloxy)(dimethylamino)methylene]-N-methylmethanaminiumtetrafluoroborate (TBTU), in each case dissolved in 0.3 ml of DMF, and26 mg (0.2 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine were added. The multititreplate was covered and shaken at RT for 18 h. The mixture was thenfiltered and the filtrate was purified directly by preparative LC/MSusing one of the methods below:

Method A:

MS instrument: Waters, HPLC instrument: Waters; column: Phenomenex Luna5μ C18(2) 100A, AXIA Tech. 50 mm×21.2 mm; mobile phase A: water+0.05%formic acid, mobile phase B: methanol+0.05% formic acid, with gradient;flow rate: 40 ml/min; UV detection (DAD): 210-400

Method B:

MS instrument: Waters, HPLC instrument: Waters; column: Phenomenex Luna5μ C18(2) 100A, AXIA Tech. 50 mm×21.2 mm; mobile phase A: water+0.05%Triethylamine, mobile phase B: methanol+0.05% Triethylamine, withgradient; flow rate: 40 ml/min; UV detection (DAD): 210-400 nm.

The product-containing fractions were concentrated under reducedpressure using a centrifugal dryer. The residues of the individualfractions were each dissolved in 0.6 ml of DMSO and the solutions werethen combined. The solvent was then evaporated completely in thecentrifugal dryer. This gave 28.5 mg (62% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.25 min, m/z=462 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 403-(2-Methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

35 mg (0.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 33 mg (0.12 mmol) of3-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid [lit.: WO2004/005281 A1, Example 91b] were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 53 mg (81% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.67 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.18 (m, 1H), 8.16 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d,1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd,1H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.69 min, m/z=542 [M+H]⁺.

Example 413-(4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

40 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 44 mg (0.14 mmol) of3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid [lit.: WO2004/029038-A1, Example 14.2] were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 33. This gave 43 mg (53% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.50 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.70 (s,1H), 7.61 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.38 (s,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.47 (m, 4H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H) [furthersignals obscured by solvent peaks].

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.70 min, m/z=560 [M+H]⁺.

Example 423-{[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl](methyl)amino}-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo-[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

40 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 57 mg (0.15 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 35A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 33, except that here 3 equivalents ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were used for the reaction. This gave 22 mg(90% pure, 25% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.47 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d,1H), 7.47-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.13 (s, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.47 (t, 2H), 3.00(s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.21 (t, 2H), 2.11 (s, 6H), 1.65 (quint, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.79 min, m/z=576 [M+H]⁺.

Example 43N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid gave 17.8 mg (34% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.36 min, m/z=530 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 443-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 80 mg (0.276 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 60 mg (0.276 mmol) of the compound ofExample 42A gave 72 mg (54% of theory) of the title compound. In thiscase, the reaction time was 18 h, and subsequent trituration of theproduct with diisopropyl ether could be dispensed with.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.38 (br. s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H),8.50-8.46 (m, 3H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.05 (s, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.70 (dd,1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 5.97 (s,1H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.99 min, m/z=487 [M+H]⁺.

Example 454-Fluoro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and4-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid gave 32.2 mg (67% of theory) ofthe title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=480 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 462-Fluoro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid gave 20.6 mg (43% of theory) ofthe title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.24 min, m/z=480 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 473-tert-Butyl-5-(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 64 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 27A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 65 mg (97% pure, 69% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.48 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.84 (s,1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.69 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.41 (m,1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s,3H), 1.37 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.84 min, m/z=530 [M+H]⁺.

Example 483-tert-Butyl-5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

35 mg (0.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 47 mg (0.12 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 21A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 25 mg (95% pure, 38% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.26 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.54 (d,1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), 7.41 (m, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.27 (s, 1H), 7.13 (s,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.21 (t, 4H), 2.47 (t, 4H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s,3H), 1.31 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.72 min, m/z=546 [M−H]⁻.

Example 493-tert-Butyl-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]-pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

40 mg (0.14 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 33 mg (0.14 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 28A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 33. This gave 31 mg (44% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.83-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.76(s, 1H), 7.73 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37(s, 1H), 5.14 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.47 (s, 6H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=508 [M+H]⁺.

Example 503-tert-Butyl-5-cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

144 mg (0.38 mmol) of HATU and 81 mg (0.63 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added to a solution of 91 mg (0.31 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 173 mg (purity 37%, 0.31 mmol) of3-tert-butyl-5-cyanobenzoic acid [lit.: WO 2008/021388 A1, intermediateE, page 164] in 2.0 ml of DMSO. The reaction was stirred at 25° C. for16 h. The reaction mixture was then diluted with ethyl acetate and thephases were separated. The organic phase was washed twice with in eachcase 50 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and then dried oversodium sulphate. After filtration, the mixture was concentrated underreduced pressure and the residue obtained in this manner was purified bydouble chromatography on a Biotage system (first run: 25 g Snap column,mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/hexane, starting with 20% ethylacetate, then increasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethylacetate/methanol, from 0% methanol increasing steadily to 50% methanol;second run: 10 g Snap column, mobile phase gradient ethylacetate/hexane, starting with 20% ethyl acetate, then increasing rapidlyto 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, from 0% methanolincreasing steadily to 50% methanol). This gave 17.8 mg (11% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.03 (s, 1H), 8.51 (d, 1H), 8.09-8.18(m, 3H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.50(d, 1H), 7.40 (d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.02 (s, 1H), 2.32(s, 3H), 1.37 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=475 [M+H]⁺.

Example 513-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)benzamide

35 mg (0.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 47 mg (0.12 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 22A were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 16. This gave 55 mg (95% pure, 81% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.36 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.83-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.71(s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.37(s, 1H), 3.63 (s, 2H), 2.45 (br, 4H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.70 (br, 4H), 1.33(s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.76 min, m/z=531 [M−H]⁻.

Example 523,5-Dimethyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid gave 9.6 mg (22% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=422 [M+H]⁺, purity 95%.

Example 532-Hydroxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(propan-2-yl)benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-hydroxy-5-isopropylbenzoic acid gave 9.2 mg (18% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.32 min, m/z=452 [M+H]⁺, purity 89%.

Example 543′-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}biphenyl-3-carboxamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3′-cyanobiphenyl-3-carboxylic acid gave 9.1 mg (18% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.28 min, m/z=495 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 55N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzoic acid gave 31.7 mg (69% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=460 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 56N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-benzoic acid gave 26.3 mg (57% of theory) of thetitle compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, m/z=463 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 572-Chloro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-chloro-5-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)benzoic acid gave 15.2 mg (31% of theory) ofthe title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.28 min, m/z=497 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 584-Chloro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(piperidin-1-yl)benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and4-chloro-3-(piperidin-1-yl)benzoic acid gave 23.2 mg (45% of theory) ofthe title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.39 min, m/z=511 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 593-(Dimethylamino)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid gave 26.1 mg (60% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=437 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 60N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(propan-2-yloxy)-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-isopropoxybenzoic acid gave 41.2 mg (69% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=452 [M+H]⁺, purity 76%.

Example 61N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-propoxybenzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-propoxybenzoic acid gave 40.3 mg (67% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, m/z=452 [M+H]⁺, purity 75%.

Example 623-(2-Methylpropoxy)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3-isobutoxybenzoic acid gave 26.9 mg (58% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.32 min, m/z=466 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 633,5-Dimethoxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and3,5-dimethoxybenzoic acid gave 18.3 mg (40% of theory) of the titlecompound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.17 min, m/z=454 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 642-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}isonicotinamide

60 mg (0.21 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 37 mg (0.21 mmol) of2-tert-butylisonicotinic acid were reacted and worked up analogously tothe procedure of Example 33, except that in this case the reaction timewas 16 h. This gave 13 mg (96% pure, 13% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.63 (br, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.69 (d,1H), 8.48 (d, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.86 (s,1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), 7.41 (m,1H), 6.36 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.36 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.92 min, m/z=449 [M−H]⁻.

Example 652-tert-Butyl-6-chloro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}isonicotinamide

50 mg (0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 37 mg (0.17 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 43A were reacted analogously to the procedure ofExample 15, except that here only 6 ml of 0.1 M aqueous sodium hydroxidesolution (instead of 15 ml) were used for work-up. The product obtainedwas re-purified by preparative HPLC (column: Reprosil-Pur C18, 10 μm,250 mm×30 mm; mobile phase: methanol/water with 0.05% TFA, withgradient). The product-containing fractions were combined andconcentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved inethyl acetate and washed successively with saturated potassium carbonatesolution and saturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase wasdried over sodium sulphate, filtered and concentrated under reducedpressure. Drying of the residue gave 44 mg (97% pure, 51% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (br, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.93 (m, 2H), 7.84 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.78 (dd,1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s,3H), 1.35 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=485 [M+H]⁺.

Example 662-tert-Butyl-6-(methylamino)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}isonicotinamide

60 mg (0.21 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 43 mg (0.21 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 44A were reacted analogously to the procedure ofExample 33, except that in this case the reaction time was 16 h. Thisgave 31 mg (31% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.40 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.77 (dd, 1H), 7.54 (d,1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 6.89 (s, 1H), 6.67 (s, 1H), 6.60(quart, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.82 (d, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.30 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIneg): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=478 [M−H]⁻.

Example 67N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxylic acid gave 8.6 mg (19% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.82 min, m/z=462 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 68N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(piperidin-1-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-(piperidin-1-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxylic acid gave 30.0 mg (63% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=478 [M+H]⁺, purity 100%.

Example 69N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-2-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxamide

By the process described in Example 39, the compound from Example 6A and2-(morpholin-4-yl)-pyridine-4-carboxylic acid gave 10.9 mg (23% oftheory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 31, ESIneg): R_(t)=1.01 min, m/z=478 [M−H]⁻, purity 100%.

Example 70N-{4-Fluoro-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure of Example 50, 70 mg (0.24 mmol) of thecompound of Example 13A and 59 mg (0.24 mmol) of3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid gave a crude product which, indeviation from Example 50, was, after the first purification run on aBiotage system, purified further by preparative thick-layerchromatography (mobile phase ethyl acetate/methanol 9:1). This gave 39mg (27% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.09 (d, 1H), 8.53 (dd, 1H), 8.37 (s,1H), 8.32 (t, 1H), 8.24 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 8.07 (d, 1H), 7.97 (dd,1H), 7.64 (t, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.40-7.46 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.36 (m, 2H),7.28 (t, 1H), 6.34 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.17 min, m/z=524 [M+H]⁺.

Example 713-Cyano-N-{4-fluoro-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure of Example 50, 80 mg (0.27 mmol) of thecompound of Example 13A and 74 mg (0.27 mmol) of the compound of Example23A gave a crude product which, in deviation from Example 50, was, inthe second run, also purified on the Biotage system using a 25 g Snapcolumn (instead of 10 g). This gave 38 mg (25% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.85 (s, 1H), 9.03 (d, 1H), 8.84 (t,1H), 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.64 (t, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.13-8.21 (m, 2H), 7.96(d, 1H), 7.74 (ddd, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.56 (dd, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H),6.54 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.17 min, m/z=549 [M+H]⁺.

Example 72N-{4-Methoxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

45 mg (0.15 mmol) of the compound of Example 10A and 37 mg (0.15 mmol)of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid were reacted and worked upanalogously to the procedure of Example 16. This gave 72 mg (91% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.63 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 8.21-8.14 (m, 2H), 8.03 (d, 1H), 7.88(d, 1H), 7.85-7.77 (m, 2H), 7.57 (d, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H),6.43 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=536 [M+H]⁺.

Example 73N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

45 mg (87% pure, 0.13 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 32 mg(0.153 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid were reactedand worked up analogously to the procedure of Example 38. This gave 36mg (96% pure, 50% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.32 (s, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.42 (s, 1H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 8.17 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.81 (t,1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.30(s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 743-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Variant A:

60 mg (87% pure, 0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 55 mg(85% pure, 0.17 mmol) of the compound of Example 23A were reacted andworked up analogously to the procedure of Example 38. This gave 38 mg(40% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.42 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.86 (s,1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.50 (dd, 1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.90 (d,1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.43-7.38 (m, 2H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.31(s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Variant B:

5.75 g (18.9 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 5.18 g (18.9 mmol)of the compound of Example 23A were dissolved in 30 ml of DMF, and 8.65g (22.7 mmol) of HATU and 6.6 ml (37.9 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. After 4 h ofstirring at RT, the reaction mixture was stirred into about 120 ml ofcold, saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The mixture wasthen extracted three times with in each case about 100 ml of ethylacetate. The combined organic extracts were dried over magnesiumsulphate, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residueobtained was purified by MPLC (350 g of silica gel, mobile phasedichloromethane/methanol 100:1→50:1). Evaporation of the productfractions gave a product of a purity of about 95%. Further purificationwas achieved by recrystallization from a solvent mixture consisting of100 ml of isopropanol and 80 ml of water. Filtration at RT and drying ofthe solid under high vacuum gave 9.01 g (84% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.42 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.86 (s,1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.90 (d,1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.31 (s,1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Example 753-Cyano-N-{2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

55 mg (0.18 mmol) of the compound of Example 12A and 58 mg (85% pure,0.18 mmol) of the compound of Example 23A were reacted and worked upanalogously to the procedure of Example 38. This gave 43 mg (42% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.77 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.87 (s,1H), 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (dt, 1H), 7.92 (d,1H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 7.54-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 2.29(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=563 [M+H]⁺.

Example 76N-{2-Methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure of Example 50, 100 mg (0.35 mmol) of thecompound of Example 14A and 86 mg (0.35 mmol) of3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid gave a crude product which, indeviation from Example 50, was, after the first purification run on theBiotage system, purified further initially by preparative thick-layerchromatography (mobile phase ethyl acetate/methanol 95:5) and then bypreparative HPLC (Method 15). The 7 mg of product obtained in thismanner were dissolved in a little ethyl acetate and washed successivelywith 15 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated sodiumchloride solution. The organic phase was dried over sodium sulphate and,after filtration, concentrated under reduced pressure. This gave 5.6 mg(2.6% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.11 (br. s, 1H), 8.54 (d, 1H), 8.40 (d,1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.99 (dd, 1H), 7.85 (s,1H), 7.67 (t, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.30-7.43 (m, 4H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 2.41(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=520 [M+H]⁺.

Example 773-Cyano-N-{2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

315 mg (0.83 mmol) of HATU and 179 mg (1.38 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added to a solution of 189 mg (0.69 mmol)of the compound of Example 14A and 200 mg (0.69 mmol) of3-cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid from Example 23A in 4.4ml of DMSO. The reaction was stirred at 25° C. for 16 h. A further 60 mg(0.22 mmol) of 3-cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid, 150 mg(0.41 mmol) of HATU and 74 mg (0.57 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylaminewere then added, and the mixture was warmed at 40° C. for several hours.After cooling, the reaction mixture was added to water and extractedwith ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed twice with in each case50 ml of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and once with saturatedsodium chloride solution and dried over sodium sulphate. Afterfiltration, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure and theresidue obtained in this manner was purified by chromatography on aBiotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethylacetate/hexane, starting with 20% ethyl acetate, then increasing rapidlyto 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol, from 0% methanolincreasing steadily to 50% methanol). The product obtained in thismanner was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed three times with in eachcase 25 ml sodium bicarbonate solution and once with saturated sodiumchloride solution and dried over sodium sulphate. After filtration, themixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. This gave 60 mg (15% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.47 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.84 (s,1H), 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.69 (s, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.93 (d,1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.58 (dd, 1H), 7.39-7.48 (m, 2H), 6.85(s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=545 [M+H]⁺.

Example 783-Bromo-5-tert-butyl-N-{2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the procedure of Example 77, 200 mg (0.69 mmol) of thecompound of Example 14A and 248 mg (0.96 mmol) of3-bromo-5-tert-butylbenzoic acid gave a crude product which wasinitially purified by chromatography on a Biotage system, as describedabove. This gave 145 mg (40% of theory) of the title compound which wasused without further purification for the subsequent reaction, and 60 mgof still impure material which was purified by further separation bypreparative HPLC (Method 16). This gave a further 14 mg (3.6% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.13 (d, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.20 (dt, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.74 (t, 2H), 7.51 (d,1H), 7.30-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.25 (dd, 1H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 1.38(s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.32 min, m/z=528/530 [M+H]⁺.

Example 793-Cyano-5-tert-butyl-N-{2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

35.5 mg (0.30 mmol) of zinc cyanide and 19 mg (0.016 mmol) oftetrakis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium(0) were added to a solution of145 mg (0.28 mmol) of the compound of Example 78 in 5.0 ml DMF (degassedunder argon) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 h. Aftercooling, ethyl acetate was added to the reaction mixture and the organicphase was washed successively with saturated sodium bicarbonate solutionand saturated sodium chloride solution. After drying over sodiumsulphate and filtration, the filtrate was concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue obtained in this manner was purified bychromatography on a Biotage system (10 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient ethyl acetate/hexane, starting with 20% ethyl acetate, thenincreasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate, then ethyl acetate/methanol,from 0% methanol increasing steadily to 30% methanol). This gave 44 mg(29% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.12 (d, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.45 (d,1H), 8.16-8.25 (m, 2H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.51(d, 1H), 7.30-7.41 (m, 3H), 6.50 (s, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.18 min, m/z=475 [M+H]⁺.

Example 803-Cyano-N-{2-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

100 mg (0.346 mmol) of the compound of Example 69A and 111 mg (0.346mmol, 85% pure) of the compound from Example 23A were dissolved in 1.9ml of anhydrous DMF and 158 mg (0.415 mmol) of HATU and 72 μl (0.415mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. Thereaction mixture was stirred at RT overnight (about 15 h) and thenstirred into about 10 ml of water. The resulting precipitate wasfiltered off with suction, dissolved in dichloromethane and washedsuccessively with semisaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution andsaturated sodium chloride solution. After drying over anhydrousmagnesium sulphate, filtration and removal of the solvent on a rotaryevaporator, the residue obtained in this manner was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 33). After evaporation of the productfractions, the solid was re-dissolved in ethyl acetate and washed withsaturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution to convert the productinto the form of the free base. After drying of the organic phase overanhydrous magnesium sulphate, filtration and evaporation, the productwas finally triturated with 3 ml of pentane to which a few drops ofdiisopropyl ether had been added. Filtration with suction and drying ofthe solid under high vacuum gave 66 mg (35% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.00 (s, 1H), 8.69 (s, broad, 1H), 8.63(s, 1H), 8.52 (d, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.70(d, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.44 (t, 1H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 7.33 (dd, 1H), 6.95(d, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 2.24 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=545 [M+H]⁺.

Example 813-Cyano-N-{2-fluoro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 96, 100 mg (0.341 mmol)of the compound of Example 70A and 110 mg (0.341 mmol, 85% pure) of thecompound from Example 23A gave 52 mg (28% of theory) of the titlecompound. Here, purification was by preparative HPLC according to Method33, and final trituration of the product could be dispensed with.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.59 (broad, 1H), 9.58 (s,1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 8.27-8.23 (m, 2H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.55(d, 1H), 7.45 (td, 1H), 7.39 (t, 1H), 7.35 (dd, 1H), 7.18 (t, 1H), 6.25(s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=549 [M+H]⁺.

Example 82N-{2-Hydroxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

80 mg (0.192 mmol) of the compound of Example 71A and 48 mg (0.192 mmol)of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid were dissolved in 1.5 mlanhydrous DMF, and 88 mg (0.231 mmol) of HATU and 40 μl (0.231 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. The reaction mixturewas stirred at RT for 30 min and then stirred into about 10 ml of water.The resulting precipitate was filtered off with suction and dissolved in3 ml of methanol, and 385 μl (0.385 mmol) of 1 M aqueous sodiumhydroxide solution were added. The mixture was then stirred at RT for 30min and then, by preparative HPLC, separated completely into itscomponents (Method 33). The product fractions were combined and freedfrom the solvent. The residue was triturated with a mixture of 5 ml ofpentane and 1 ml of dichloromethane at RT. Filtration with suction anddrying of the solid under high vacuum gave 32 mg (32% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.36 (s, broad, 1H), 9.78 (s, broad,1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.33 (d, 1H), 8.20-8.15(m, 2H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.82 (t, 1H), 7.57 (d, 1H), 7.47-7.41 (m, 3H),7.07 (t, 1H), 6.40 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.98 min, m/z=522 [M+H]⁺.

Example 833-Cyano-N-{2-hydroxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

74 mg (0.178 mmol, 70% pure) of the compound from Example 71A and 44 mg(0.160 mmol) of the compound of Example 23A were dissolved in 1 mlanhydrous DMF, and 81 mg (0.213 mmol) of HATU and 37 μl (0.213 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. The reaction mixturewas stirred at RT for 30 min and then stirred into about 10 ml of water.The resulting precipitate was filtered off with suction, dissolved inabout 3 ml of methanol and separated into its components by preparativeHPLC (Method 33). The product fractions were combined and freed from thesolvent. The residue obtained was triturated with a littledichloromethane at RT. Filtration with suction and drying of the solidunder high vacuum gave 36 mg (37% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.49 (s, broad, 1H), 9.81 (s, broad,1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.86 (s, 1H), 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.75 (s, 1H), 8.49 (d,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.57 (d, 1H), 7.48-7.41 (m, 3H), 7.07(t, 1H), 6.41 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.97 min, m/z=547 [M+H]⁺.

Example 84N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 80 mg (0.28 mmol) of the compound of Example72A and 75 mg (0.30 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave 64 mg (45% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.65 (s, 1H), 9.16 (d, 1H), 8.58 (dd,1H), 8.50 (d, 1H), 8.37 (t, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.94 (t,2H), 7.72-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 6.36 (d, 1H), 2.26(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.29 min, m/z=521 [M+H]⁺.

Example 853-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

80 mg (0.10 mmol) of the compound of Example 75A were stirred in 0.8 mlof trifluoroacetic acid at 90° C. for 60 min. The reaction was thenconcentrated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 34). This gave 49 mg (90% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.86 (broad, 1H), 10.78 (s, 1H), 8.86(s, 1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H),7.82-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 863-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

120 mg (0.19 mmol) of the compound of Example 76A were reacted andworked up analogously to Example 12. This gave 61 mg (61% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.84 (broad, 1H), 10.40 (s, 1H), 8.85(s, 1H), 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.76 (d, 2H), 7.49(s, 1H), 7.36 (d, 2H), 5.86 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=548 [M+H]⁺.

Example 873-Cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-N-{3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 100 mg (0.363 mmol)of the compound of Example 62A and 117 mg (0.363 mmol) of the compoundof Example 23A gave 62 mg (32% of theory) of the title compound. In thiscase, the reaction time was about 15 h.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.57 (s, broad, 1H), 9.09 (d, 1H), 8.68(s, 1H), 8.55-8.53 (m, 2H), 8.22-8.16 (m, 3H), 7.53-7.51 (m, 3H), 7.36(dd, 1H), 7.32-7.27 (m, 2H), 6.47 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=531 [M+H]⁺.

Example 883-Fluoro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 100 mg (0.346 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 97 mg (0.363 mmol) of3-fluoro-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid (JRD FluorochemicalsLtd., United Kingdom) gave 165 mg (89% of theory) of the title compound.In this case, the reaction time was about 15 h.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.72 (s, broad, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H),8.49 (dd, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.25 (dt, 1H), 8.21-8.17 (m, 2H), 7.95 (d,1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 6.42 (dd,1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 4, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.08 min, m/z=538 [M+H]⁺.

Example 893-Bromo-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

10.0 g (34.6 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 11.3 g (34.6 mmol)of the compound of Example 15A were dissolved in 120 ml anhydrous DMF,and 15.8 g (41.5 mmol) of HATU and 7.2 ml (41.5 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. The reaction mixturewas stirred at RT overnight (about 15 h) and then stirred into 1.6litres of water. After 40 minutes, the resulting precipitate wasfiltered off with suction, washed thoroughly with a further 0.5 litre ofwater and finally dissolved in 1.8 litres of ethyl acetate. The organicsolution was washed successively with water and saturated sodiumchloride solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulphate, themixture was filtered and the solvent was removed on a rotary evaporator.The crude product obtained in this manner was purified by filtrationwith suction (about 330 g of silica gel, mobile phase gradientcyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1:1→1:3). This gave 11.95 g (57% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.73 (s, broad, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H),8.50 (s, 1H), 8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H),7.93 (m, 2H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H),6.37 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.12 min, m/z=598/600 [M+H]⁺.

Example 902-Methoxy-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

394 mg (1.04 mmol) of HATU and 127 mg (1.04 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were added to a solution of 200 mg(0.69 mmol) of the compound of Example 6A and 288 mg (1.04 mmol) of2-methoxy-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid in 2.2 ml of DMF. Thereaction was stirred at 50° C. for 16 h. The reaction mixture was thenpurified directly by preparative HPLC (Method 16). This gave 222 mg (53%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.40 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd,1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.96-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.87 (d, 2H), 7.68 (dd, 1H), 7.49(d, 1H), 7.29-7.44 (m, 3H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.32 min, m/z=550 [M+H]⁺.

Example 912-Methyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 200 mg (0.69 mmol) of the compound of Example6A and 272 mg (1.04 mmol) of2-methyl-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid gave 150 mg (39% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.65 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.82-7.95 (m, 4H), 7.67 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.49(d, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.38 (ddd, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.23(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.29 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 923-Cyano-5-(1-hydroxycyclobutyl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 80 mg (0.276 mmol)of the compound of Example 6A and 60 mg (0.276 mmol) of the compound ofExample 73A gave 115 mg (82% of theory, 96% pure) of the title compound.In this case, the reaction time was 1 h. Final trituration of theproduct was carried out using a mixture of 10 ml of pentane and 2 ml ofdiisopropyl ether.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.61 (s, broad, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H),8.48 (dd, 1H), 8.33 (dd, 1H), 8.30 (dd, 1H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 8.12 (dd,1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.81 (dd, 1H), 7.56 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d,1H), 7.42 (dd, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 5.92 (s, 1H), 2.51-2.43 (m, 2H,partially obscured by the DMSO signal), 2.37-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H),2.03-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.80-1.69 (m, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.88 min, m/z=489 [M+H]⁺.

Example 932-tert-Butyl-6-cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-isonicotinamide

Under argon, a mixture of 137 mg (0.28 mmol) of the compound of Example65, 4.04 mg (0.012 mmol) of palladium(II) trifluoroacetate, 9.91 mg(0.025 mmol) of racemic 2-di-tert-butylphosphino-1,1′-binaphthyl, 3.51mg (0.054 mmol) of zinc flakes and 18.6 mg (0.16 mmol) of zinc cyanidein 1.5 ml N,N-dimethylacetamide was stirred at 95° C. for 20 hours.After cooling, the mixture was diluted with 80 ml of ethyl acetate andthe mixture was washed in each case once with 10 ml of water and 10 mlsaturated sodium chloride solution. The organic phase was dried oversodium sulphate and, after filtration, concentrated under reducedpressure. The residue obtained in this manner was purified bychromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient ethyl acetate/hexane, starting with 70% ethyl acetate, thenincreasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate). Further purification was bypreparative thick-layer chromatography (2 mm layer thickness withconcentration zone, mobile phase ethyl acetate, elution with methylenechloride/methanol 7:3). This gave 56 mg (38% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.75 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd,1H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 8.11-8.19 (m, 2H), 7.90 (dd, 2H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 7.51(d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.38 (dd, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.34(s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=476 [M+H]⁺.

Example 943-Bromo-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-N-{3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 660 mg (1.92 mmol) of the compound of Example63A and 692 mg (2.12 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave 253 mg(70% pure, 14% of theory) of the title compound. In this case, thereaction time was 80 h in total at a temperature of 60° C., with moreHATU and DMAP being added at intervals. Purification of the crudeproduct was by double chromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snapcolumn; mobile phase gradient initially ethyl acetate/hexane withrapidly increasing proportion of ethyl acetate to 100%, then ethylacetate/methanol, from 0-20% methanol increasing slowly).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.36 min, m/z=652/654 [M+H]⁺.

Example 953-Cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-N-{3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 253 mg (0.39 mmol) of the compound of Example94 gave 27 mg (11% of theory) of the title compound. Here, purificationof the crude product was carried out by preparative HPLC (Method 16).

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.83 (s, 1H), 9.08 (d, 1H), 8.87 (t,1H), 8.69 (s, 2H), 8.50 (dd, 1H), 8.20 (dt, 1H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 8.05 (d,1H), 7.89-7.97 (m, 3H), 7.44 (ddd, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=599 [M+H]⁺.

Example 96N-{4-Chloro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

130 mg (0.420 mmol) of the compound of Example 64A and 104 mg (0.420mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid were dissolved in 2.5ml of anhydrous DMF, and 191 mg (0.504 mmol) of HATU and 88 μl (0.504mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. Thereaction mixture was stirred at RT for 15 h and then diluted with a fewml of methanol and subsequently separated completely into its componentsby preparative HPLC (Method 9). The product fractions were combined andconcentrated to dryness on a rotary evaporator. In this manner, thetitle compound was obtained in the form of its formic acid salt. Toconvert the product into the salt-free form, saturated aqueous sodiumbicarbonate solution was added and the mixture was extracted with ethylacetate. The organic extract was dried over anhydrous magnesiumsulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotary evaporator.The residue obtained in this manner was finally triturated with 3 ml ofpentane to which a few drops of diisopropyl ether had been added.Filtration with suction and drying of the solid under high vacuum gave53 mg (22% of theory, 95% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.10 (s, broad, 1H), 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.49(d, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.12-8.04 (m, 3H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.71 (d, 1H),7.64-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 6.09 (s,1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=540/542 [M+H]⁺.

Example 97N-{4-Chloro-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-cyano-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 96, 130 mg (0.420 mmol)of the compound of Example 64A and 135 mg (0.420 mmol, 85% pure) of thecompound from Example 23A gave 49 mg (19% of theory, 95% pure) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.95 (s, broad, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.67(s, 1H), 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.51 (dd, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.07(d, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.58 (d, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.34 (dd, 1H), 7.19(d, 1H), 6.11 (s, 1H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=565/567 [M+H]⁺.

Example 983-Bromo-N-{4-methoxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 50, 400 mg (1.31 mmol) of the compound of Example10A and 428 mg (1.31 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, aftersingle chromatographic purification on a Biotage system, 701 mg (78% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.61 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.47 (s,1H), 8.46 (dd, 1H), 8.36-8.40 (m, 2H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.84(d, 1H), 7.74 (dd, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.39 (ddd, 1H), 7.31 (d, 1H), 6.38(s, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=614/616 [M+H]⁺.

Example 993-Cyano-N-{4-methoxy-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 700 mg (1.14 mmol) of the compound of Example98 gave, after double chromatographic purification on a Biotage systemand final preparative HPLC (Method 16), 75 mg (11% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.80 (dd,1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.61-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.47 (dd, 1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.99(d, 1H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.73 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.32(d, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.24 min, m/z=561 [M+H]⁺.

Example 100N-{3,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 150 mg (0.49 mmol) of the compound of Example65A and 134 mg (0.54 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave 178 mg (66% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.58 (s, 1H), 9.02 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d,1H), 8.38 (t, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.88 (d,1H), 7.77 (dd, 2H), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd, 1H), 6.29 (s,1H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.09 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1013-Bromo-N-{3,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 370 mg (1.22 mmol) of the compound of Example65A and 439 mg (1.34 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave a crudeproduct which, in deviation from Example 90, was purified bychromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column; mobile phasegradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 70% ethyl acetate increasingsteadily to 100% ethyl acetate). This gave 977 mg (>100% of theory) ofthe title compound which were not purified any further.

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.36 min, m/z=612/614 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1023-Cyano-N-{3,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 970 mg (1.58 mmol) of the compound of Example101 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 221 mg (24% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.81 (d,1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.63 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.88 (d,1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.66 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.38 (ddd, 1H), 6.27 (s,1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Example 103N-{3-Fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 150 mg (0.49 mmol) of the compound of Example66A and 133 mg (0.54 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave 151 mg (58% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.78 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd,1H), 8.37 (t, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.11-8.18 (m, 2H), 7.92 (d, 1H),7.71-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd, 1H), 6.41 (s, 1H), 2.17 (d,3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.24 min, m/z=538 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1043-Bromo-N-{3-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 400 mg (1.30 mmol) of the compound of Example66A and 468 mg (1.43 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave a crudeproduct which was purified by chromatography on a Biotage system (25 gSnap column; mobile phase gradient hexane/ethyl acetate, from 70% ethylacetate increasing steadily to 100% ethyl acetate). This gave 772 mg(94% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.80 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.43-8.48(m, 2H), 8.40 (t, 1H), 8.36 (t, 1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.79(dd, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.39 (ddd, 1H), 6.40 (d, 1H), 2.17(d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.38 min, m/z=616/618 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1053-Cyano-N-{3-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 755 mg (1.23 mmol) of the compound of Example104 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 287 mg (41% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.87 (s, 1H), 9.02 (dd, 1H), 8.83(dd, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.62 (dd, 1H), 8.46 (dd, 1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H),7.92 (dd, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.39 (ddd,1H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 2.17 (d, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 5, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.22 min, m/z=563 [M+H]⁺.

Example 106N-{3-Chloro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 240 mg (0.74 mmol) of the compound of Example67A and 202 mg (0.82 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave 242 mg (59% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.75 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd,1H), 8.39 (t, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.11-8.18 (m, 2H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 7.92(d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.79 (t, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.38 (ddd, 1H), 6.39(s, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.30 min, m/z=554/556 [M+H]⁺.

Example 107N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-fluoro-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 26, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 88 mg (0.330 mmol) of3-fluoro-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid (JRD FluorochemicalsLtd., United Kingdom) gave 103 mg (56% of theory) of the title compound.In this case, the reaction time was 1 h. Here, final neutralizationusing a bicarbonate cartridge could be dispensed with since, after HPLCpurification, the product had already been obtained as the free base.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.36 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 8.25 (dt, 1H), 8.22-8.15 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H),7.50-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.44 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s,3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=552 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1083-Chloro-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 107, 90 mg (0.297 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 84 mg (0.297 mmol) of the compound ofExample 33A gave 119 mg (70% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.38 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.38-8.35 (m, 3H), 8.19 (dt, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.49 (m, 2H),7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=568/570 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1093-Bromo-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 89, 1.75 g (5.77 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 1.89 g (5.77 mmol) of the compound ofExample 15A gave 3.02 g (85% of theory) of the title compound. Here, theproduct obtained after chromatographic purification was finallytriturated with pentane/dichloromethane 10:1.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.38 (s, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 8.50-8.47(m, 2H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.17 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H),7.51-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s,3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=612/614 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1103-({2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoicacid

100 mg (0.142 mmol, 80% pure) of the compound from Example 77A weredissolved in 2 ml of DMSO, and a solution of 48 mg (0.350 mmol) ofsodium dihydrogenphosphate hydrate in 0.7 ml of water was added at RT. Asolution of 39 mg (0.342 mmol) of sodium chlorite in 0.3 ml of water wasthen added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h andthen diluted with 100 ml of water and extracted three times with in eachcase about 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts werewashed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrousmagnesium sulphate, filtered and freed from the solvent on a rotaryevaporator. The crude product obtained in this manner was purified bypreparative HPLC (Method 32). After evaporation of the productfractions, the residue was stirred in a mixture of 2 ml of pentane, 0.5ml of dichloromethane and 0.5 ml of diisopropyl ether for 10 min.Filtration with suction and drying of the solid under high vacuum gave43 mg (52% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 14.04 (broad, 1H), 10.53 (s, 1H), 9.04(s, 1H), 8.82 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.49-8.46 (m, 2H), 8.18 (dt, 1H),7.90 (d, 1H), 7.50-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.32 (s,1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.01 min, m/z=578 [M+H]⁺.

Example 111N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-methyl-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 107, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 86 mg (0.330 mmol) of the compound ofExample 34A gave 105 mg (58% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.27 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 8.20 (dt, 1H), 8.11 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.90 (d,1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.32 (s,1H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.17 min, m/z=548 [M+H]⁺.

Example 112N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(methoxymethyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

75 mg (0.198 mmol) of HATU, 24 mg (0.198 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and 50 mg (0.165 mmol) of thecompound of Example 11A were added to a solution of 51 mg (0.173 mmol)of the compound of Example 74A in 1 ml of anhydrous DMF. The reactionmixture was stirred at RT for 1 h, then diluted with about 2 ml ofmethanol and subsequently directly separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 32). Evaporation of the product fractions anddrying of the residue under high vacuum gave 60 mg (63% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.36 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d,1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 7.90 (s,1H), 7.50-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 4.62(s, 2H), 3.38 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.06 min, m/z=578 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1133-Bromo-5-tert-butyl-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}benzamide

250 mg (0.82 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 212 mg (0.82 mmol)of 3-bromo-5-tert-butylbenzoic acid were reacted and worked upanalogously to Example 77. The crude product obtained in this manner waspurified by single chromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/hexane, starting with 70% ethylacetate, then increasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate). This gave 352mg (71% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.05 (s, 1H), 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.91-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.74 (t, 1H),7.28-7.46 (m, 4H), 6.26 (s, 1H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.29 (s,9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.36 min, m/z=542/544 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1143-tert-Butyl-5-cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 347 mg (0.64 mmol) of the compound of Example113 gave a crude product which was purified by preparative HPLC (Method16). This gave 82 mg (26% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.11 (s, 1H), 9.03 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.18-8.24 (m, 3H), 8.06 (t, 1H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.42-7.49 (m, 3H),7.35 (s, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.31 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=489 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1152-tert-Butyl-6-chloro-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}isonicotinamide

250 mg (0.82 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 176 mg (0.82 mmol)of 2-tert-butyl-6-chloro-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid were reacted andworked up analogously to Example 77. The crude product obtained in thismanner was purified by single chromatography on a Biotage system (25 gSnap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/hexane, starting with70% ethyl acetate, then increasing rapidly to 100% ethyl acetate). Thisgave 341 mg (71% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.27 (s, 1H), 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd,1H), 8.13 (dt, 1H), 7.81-7.87 (m, 2H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.48 (m, 2H),7.32-7.41 (m, 2H), 6.26 (s, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.31 (s,9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.28 min, m/z=499 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1162-tert-Butyl-6-cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-isonicotinamide

Analogously to Example 79, 337 mg (0.68 mmol) of the compound of Example115 gave a crude product which was purified by preparative HPLC (Method16). This gave 105 mg (32% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.45 (dd,1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.13-8.19 (m, 2H), 7.86 (d, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.45(d, 1H), 7.40 (dd, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 6.26 (s, 1H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.23(s, 3H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.20 min, m/z=490 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1173-Bromo-5-tert-butyl-N-{2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to Example 50, 235 mg (0.77 mmol) of the compound of Example12A and 197 mg (0.77 mmol) of 3-bromo-5-tert-butylbenzoic acid gave,after single chromatography on a Biotage system (25 g Snap column;mobile phase gradient hexane/70-100% ethyl acetate), 180 mg (66% pure,29% of theory) of the title compound.

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.37 min, m/z=546/548 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1183-tert-Butyl-5-cyano-N-{2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 180 mg (0.33 mmol) of the compound of Example117 gave, after purification by preparative HPLC (Method 16), 35 mg (22%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.42 (s, 1H), 9.01 (dd, 1H), 8.44(dd, 1H), 8.20 (dt, 2H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 8.07 (t, 1H), 7.87 (dd, 1H),7.76 (d, 1H), 7.42-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.37 (ddd, 1H), 6.30 (d, 1H), 2.24 (s,3H), 1.31 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.17 min, m/z=493 [M+H]⁺.

Example 119N-{2,4-Dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 50, 125 mg (0.41 mmol) of the compound of Example68A and 102 mg (0.41 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave a crude product which, after the first run on the Biotage system,was purified further by preparative HPLC (Method 16). This gave 90 mg(41% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.37 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd,1H), 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.09-8.19 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.78(t, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.29-7.40 (m, 3H), 6.13 (s, 1H), 2.07 (s, 3H),1.91 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.13 min, m/z=534 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1203-Bromo-N-{2,4-dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 50, 370 mg (1.22 mmol) of the compound of Example68A and 398 mg (1.22 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave a crudeproduct which was purified by single chromatography on a Biotage system(25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient hexane/70-100% ethyl acetate).This gave 573 mg (65% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.41 (s, 1H), 9.00 (dd, 1H), 8.48 (s,1H), 8.43 (dd, 1H), 8.37-8.41 (m, 2H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.88 (dd, 1H),7.43 (d, 1H), 7.34-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 6.12 (s, 1H), 2.65 (s,6H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=612/614 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1213-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, two separate reactions with 560 mg (0.91mmol) and 535 mg (0.87 mmol), respectively, of the compound of Example120 gave, after purification by preparative HPLC (Method 16), 47 mg(4.8% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.48 (s, 1H), 9.00 (d, 1H), 8.82 (s,1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 8.43 (dd, 1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d,1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.35-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.33 (d, 1H), 6.13 (s, 1H), 2.07(s, 3H), 1.93 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Example 122N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-sulphamoyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 150 mg (0.52 mmol) of the compound of Example6A and 129 mg (0.47 mmol) of 3-sulphamoyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzoicacid gave, after 3 h of stirring at 50° C. and HPLC purification (Method16), 68.5 mg (23% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.83 (s, 1H), 9.08 (d, 1H), 8.63 (s,1H), 8.51-8.55 (m, 2H), 8.35 (dt, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.91(d, 1H), 7.77 (dd, 1H), 6.42 (s, 1H), 7.69 (s, 2H), 7.53-7.59 (m, 2H),7.47 (d, 1H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=451 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1233-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 200 mg (0.69 mmol) of the compound of Example6A and 136 mg (0.76 mmol) of 3-tert-butylbenzoic acid gave, after 16 hof stirring at RT and HPLC purification (Method 16), 165 mg (52% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.32 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.44 (dd,1H), 8.15 (dt, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.89 (t, 1H), 7.87 (dd, 1H), 7.72-7.79(m, 2H), 7.58-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.35-7.46 (m, 3H), 6.32 (s,1H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.30 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.22 min, m/z=450 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1243-Methyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-sulphamoyl-benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 150 mg (0.52 mmol) of the compound of Example6A and 123 mg (0.57 mmol) of 3-methyl-5-sulphamoylbenzoic acid gave,after 3 h of stirring at RT and HPLC purification (Method 16), 92.7 mg(35% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.59 (s, 1H), 9.08 (d, 1H), 8.53 (dd,1H), 8.36 (dt, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 7.91 (d,1H), 7.82 (s, 1H), 7.77 (dd, 1H), 7.52-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.47 (m, 3H),6.42 (s, 1H), 2.24 (s, 3H) [further signal hidden in the solvent peak].

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.85 min, m/z=487 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1254-tert-Butyl-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}pyridine-2-carboxamide

Analogously to Example 90, 200 mg (0.691 mmol) of the compound ofExample 6A and 119 mg (0.63 mmol) of 4-tert-butylpyridine-2-carboxylicacid gave, after 3 h of stirring at 50° C. and HPLC purification (Method16), 172 mg (54% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.82 (s, 1H), 9.02 (d, 1H), 8.61 (d,1H), 8.45 (dd, 1H), 8.16 (dt, 1H), 8.10 (t, 2H), 7.86-7.94 (m, 2H), 7.67(dd, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.35-7.44 (m, 2H), 6.35 (s, 1H), 2.24 (s, 3H),1.30 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.22 min, m/z=451 [M+H]⁺.

Example 126N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-[(trifluoromethyl)-sulphanyl]benzamide

80 mg (0.264 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 62 mg (0.277 mmol)of 3-[(trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl]benzoic acid were dissolved in 2 ml ofDMF, and 120 mg (0.316 mmol) of HATU and 60 μl (0.343 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. After about 16 h ofstirring at RT, the reaction mixture was diluted with 1 ml ofacetonitrile and separated into its components by preparative HPLC(Method 36). Pooling of the product fractions, evaporation and dryingunder high vacuum gave 89 mg (95% pure, 63% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.18 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d,1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.23-8.19 (m, 2H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.73(t, 1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 6.32(s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.05 min, m/z=508 [M+H]⁺.

Example 127N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 57 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzoic acid gave 85 mg (65% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.14 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.20 (dt, 1H), 8.04 (d, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.70 (t,1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.43 (dd, 1H), 6.38 (s,1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=492 [M+H]⁺.

Example 128N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(difluoromethoxy)-benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 52 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-(difluoromethoxy)benzoic acid gave 106 mg (84% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.07 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.21 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.61 (t,1H), 7.51-7.33 (m, 6H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.93 min, m/z=474 [M+H]⁺.

Example 129N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(1,1,2,2-tetra-fluoroethoxy)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 66 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)benzoic acid gave 87 mg (63% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.14 (s, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d,1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.66 (t,1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.50-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 6.86 (t, 1H), 6.33(s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.01 min, m/z=524 [M+H]⁺.

Example 130N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 61 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzoic acid gave 95 mg (71% of theory) of thetitle compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.96 (s, 1H), 9.07 (d, 1H), 8.50 (dd,1H), 8.23 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.67-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 4H),7.37 (s, 1H), 7.30 (dd, 1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 4.85 (quart, 2H), 2.30 (s,3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.99 min, m/z=506 [M+H]⁺.

Example 131N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-methoxybenzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 42 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-methoxybenzoic acid gave 83 mg (71% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.93 (s, 1H), 9.10 (d, 1H), 8.56 (d,1H), 8.37 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.50 (m, 3H),7.45 (t, 1H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 7.16 (dd, 1H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H),2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.88 min, m/z=438 [M+H]⁺.

Example 132N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-isopropoxybenzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 50 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-isopropoxybenzoic acid gave 88 mg (71% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.90 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.50 (d,1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.53-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.42 (t, 1H), 7.36(s, 1H), 7.14 (dd, 1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 4.70 (sept, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H),2.24 (s, 3H), 1.29 (d, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.99 min, m/z=466 [M+H]⁺.

Example 133N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-isobutoxybenzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 54 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-isobutoxybenzoic acid gave 84 mg (66% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.93 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d,1H), 8.20 (d, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.55-7.41 (m, 6H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.16(dd, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 3.82 (d, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.04(m, 1H), 1.00 (d, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.10 min, m/z=480 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1343-tert-Butoxy-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 74 mg (0.363 mmol, content 95%) of3-tert-butoxybenzoic acid gave 131 mg (83% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.93 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.54-7.36 (m, 6H), 7.21(d, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.02 min, m/z=480 [M+H]⁺.

Example 135N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 58 mg (0.277 mmol) of3-(2-ethoxyethoxy)benzoic acid gave 103 mg (78% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.93 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.50 (d,1H), 8.23 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.53 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.42 (m, 4H),7.37 (s, 1H), 7.18 (dd, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 4.16 (dd, 2H), 3.72 (dd, 2H),3.51 (quart, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.13 (t, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.94 min, m/z=496 [M+H]⁺.

Example 136N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 63 mg (0.346 mmol) of3-(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzoic acid gave 82 mg (51% of theory, 97% pure) ofthe title compound. In this case, for preparative HPLC purification,Method 38 was used.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.92 (s, 1H), 9.14 (d, 1H), 8.61 (d,1H), 8.49 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.69 (dd, 1H), 7.56-7.50 (m, 4H), 7.44(t, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.17 (dd, 1H), 6.42 (s, 1H), 4.06 (t, 2H), 3.74(t, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.78 min, m/z=486 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1373-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethoxy]-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 80 mg (0.264 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 68 mg (0.277 mmol) of thehydrochloride of 3-[2-(dimethylamino)-ethoxy]benzoic acid [lit.: U.S.Pat. No. 6,069,149, Production Example 8] gave 72 mg (55% of theory) ofthe title compound. In deviation from Example 126, here 2.5 equivalents(115 μl, 0.659 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylamine were employed. Afterpreparative HPLC purification, the title compound was initially isolatedas formic acid salt. The base was liberated by dissolving the formate ina small amount of methanol and followed by percolation through abicarbonate cartridge (from Polymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MPSPE, capacity 0.9 mmol). Evaporation of the percolate and drying of theresidue under high vacuum gave the title compound in the amountmentioned above.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.92 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.17 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.56-7.39 (m, 6H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 7.17(dd, 1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 4.12 (t, 2H), 2.64 (t, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25(s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.69 min, m/z=495 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1383-(4,4-Difluoropiperidin-1-yl)-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 87 mg (0.363 mmol) of the compound ofExample 90A gave 110 mg (63% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.88 (s, 1H), 9.05 (d, 1H), 8.49 (dd,1H), 8.21 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.23(d, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 3.41 (m, 4H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.07(m, 4H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=527 [M+H]⁺.

Example 139N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(1,1,1-trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 100 mg (0.330 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 80 mg (0.346 mmol) of the compound ofExample 91A gave 115 mg (64% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.05 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.50 (dd,1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d, 1H), 7.89 (dd, 1H), 7.78 (d,1H), 7.57 (t, 1H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 7.45 (dd, 1H), 7.38 (s,1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.05 min, m/z=518 [M+H]⁺.

Example 140N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(3-methyloxetan-3-yl)benzamide

In a microwave reaction vessel, 302 mg (1.98 mmol) of1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) were added to a mixture of 200mg (0.660 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A, 150 mg (0.660 mmol) ofthe compound of Example 99A, 209 mg (0.793 mmol) of molybdenumhexacarbonyl, 19 mg (0.066 mmol) of tri-tert-butylphosphoniumtetrafluoroborate and 62 mg (0.066 mmol) oftrans-bis-(acetato)-bis-[o-(di-o-tolylphosphino)benzyl]dipalladium(II)in 4.5 ml of THF. After addition of the DBU, the reaction vessel wasquickly closed with a crimp closure. The mixture was then heated in amicrowave oven (Biotage Initiator, with Dynamic Field Tuning) at 140° C.for 30 min. After cooling to RT, about 15 ml of water were added and thereaction mixture was extracted three times with in each case about 15 mlof ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated aqueous sodium chloride solution and then dried over magnesiumsulphate. After filtration and evaporation of the solvent, the residuethat remained was separated into its components by preparative HPLC(Method 33). Since the product fractions were still impure, thepreparative HPLC purification was repeated with this fraction using thesame method. This gave an impure fraction of 15 mg and a clean fractionconsisting of 6 mg (2% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.99 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.48 (s,1H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 7.90-7.82 (m, 3H), 7.54-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.41 (dd, 1H),7.37 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 4.87 (d, 2H), 4.58 (d, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H),2.26 (s, 3H), 1.67 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.87 min, m/z=478 [M+H]⁺.

Example 141N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)benzamide

250 mg (0.824 mmol) of the compound of Example 11A and 156 mg (0.865mmol) of the compound of Example 92A were dissolved in 6.3 ml of DMF,and 376 mg (0.989 mmol) of HATU and 215 μl (1.24 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine were added in succession. After about 16 h ofstirring at RT, the reaction mixture was diluted with about 3 ml ofacetonitrile and then, in three portions, separated into its componentsby preparative HPLC (Method 36). After pooling and evaporation of theproduct fractions, the residue obtained was dissolved in a small amountof methanol and passed through a bicarbonate cartridge (fromPolymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol) toprepare the free base from the formate salt from HPLC purification.Since the product obtained in this manner was still impure, it waspurified further by MPLC (about 15 g of silica gel, mobile phase:cyclohexane/ethyl acetate/methanol 50:50:0→0:100:0→0:91:9). Evaporationof the product fractions and drying of the residue under high vacuumgave 238 mg (58% of theory, 95% pure) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 9.94 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.18 (dt, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d,1H), 7.50-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.37 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 5.13 (s, 1H), 2.30(s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.47 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.83 min, m/z=466 [M+H]⁺.

Example 142N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-fluoropropan-2-yl)benzamide

At −78° C., a solution of 34 μl (0.258 mmol) of diethylaminosulphurtrifluoride (DAST) in 0.5 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane was addeddropwise to a solution of 100 mg (0.215 mmol) of the compound of Example141 in 4.5 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane. The reaction mixture wasstirred at −78° C. for 1 h, about 5 ml of saturated aqueous sodiumbicarbonate solution were then added and the mixture was warmed to RT.The mixture was diluted with about 10 ml of water and extracted threetimes with in each case about 10 ml of dichloromethane. The combinedorganic extracts were washed once with saturated aqueous sodium chloridesolution and dried over magnesium sulphate. After filtration andevaporation, the residue obtained was separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 9). Evaporation of the product fractions anddrying of the residue under high vacuum gave 40 mg (39% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.02 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.64 (d,1H), 7.54 (t, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.37 (s,1H), 6.29 (s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.70 (d, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.96 min, m/z=468 [M+H]⁺.

Example 143N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)-5-(piperidin-1-yl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 35 mg (0.115 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 40 mg (0.121 mmol) of the compound ofExample 93A gave 53 mg (74% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.20 (s, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 8.48 (m,1H), 8.19 (d, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.70 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.39(m, 5H), 6.30 (s, 1H), 3.32 (m, 4H, partially obscured by the watersignal), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.66-1.55 (m, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=617 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1443-(4-Cyanopiperidin-1-yl)-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 122 mg (0.401 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 150 mg (0.421 mmol) of the compoundof Example 94A gave 120 mg (44% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.21 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.18 (dt, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.75 (s, 1H), 7.55 (t,1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s,1H), 3.59-3.52 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.20 (m, 2H), 3.13-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.29 (s,3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.05-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.80 (m, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.08 min, m/z=642 [M+H]⁺.

Example 145N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 39 mg (0.127 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 48 mg (0.133 mmol) of the compound ofExample 95A gave 54 mg (66% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.21 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.18 (dt, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.50-7.48(m, 2H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s, 1H),3.67-3.61 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.37 (m, 2H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 3.13-3.07 (m, 1H),2.28 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.99-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.59-1.50 (m, 2H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.14 min, m/z=647 [M+H]⁺.

Example 146N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(3-methoxyazetidin-1-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 61 mg (0.200 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 70 mg (0.210 mmol) of the compound ofExample 96A gave 75 mg (61% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.16 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H), 7.66 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.45 (s,1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 6.98 (t, 1H), 6.29 (s,1H), 4.38-4.33 (m, 1H), 4.19 (dd, 2H), 3.78 (dd, 2H), 3.26 (s, 3H), 2.28(s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.09 min, m/z=619 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1473-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamidedihydrochloride

1.0 g (1.79 mmol) of the compound of Example 74 were dissolved in 9 mlof dioxane, and 4.5 ml (17.9 mmol) of a 4 M solution of hydrogenchloride in dioxane were added. After the mixture had been stirred at RTfor about 16 h, it was concentrated to dryness on a rotary evaporator.The residue was dried under high vacuum. This gave 1.14 g (100% oftheory) of the title compound. By recrystallization from 23 ml ofethanol, 496 mg of this material were converted into a crystallinestate.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.58 (s, 1H), 9.26 (d, 1H), 8.88 (d,1H), 8.85 (s, 1H), 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.78 (d, 1H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.03 (dd,1H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.42 (s, 1H), 6.62 (s,1H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=559 [M+H]⁺.

Example 148N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 250 mg (0.824 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A and 252 mg (0.824 mmol) of the compoundof Example 19A gave 281 mg (57% of theory) of the title compound. Here,purification of the crude product by preparative HPLC was carried out intwo portions. The product fractions were combined, concentrated, takenup in a little methanol and then passed through a bicarbonate cartridge(from Polymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol)to prepare the free base from the formate salt obtained in the HPLCpurification.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.31 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 8.19-8.16 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H),7.49-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 7.29 (s, 1H), 5.52 (s,1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.03 min, m/z=592 [M+H]⁺.

Example 149N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-fluoropropan-2-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

At −78° C., a solution of 27 μl (0.203 mmol) of diethylaminosulphurtrifluoride (DAST) in 0.5 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane was added to asolution of 100 mg (0.169 mmol) of the compound of Example 148 in 3.5 mlof anhydrous dichloromethane. After the reaction mixture had beenstirred at −78° C. for 1 h, 1 ml of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonatesolution was added and the mixture was warmed to RT. Using an Extrelutcartridge NT3 (from Merck, Darmstadt, Germany), the mixture was freedfrom salts and aqueous components. After concentration, the residueobtained was separated into its components by preparative HPLC (Method36). Evaporation of the product fractions and drying of the residueunder high vacuum gave 50 mg (50% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.37 (s, 1H), 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.48 (dd,1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 8.31 (s, 1H), 8.17 (dt, 1H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d,1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.29 (s,1H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.75 (d, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.15 min, m/z=594 [M+H]⁺.

Example 150 tert-Butyl[3-({2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenyl]acetate

836 mg (2.31 mmol) of the compound of Example 97A and 1.05 g (2.77 mmol)of HATU were dissolved in 14 ml of DMF, and 338 mg (2.77 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were added slowly. 700 mg (2.31 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A were then added. The reaction mixture wasstirred at RT for 3 h. About 200 ml of water were then added, and themixture was extracted three times with in each case about 200 ml ofethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with saturatedaqueous sodium chloride solution, dried over magnesium sulphate,filtered and concentrated to dryness. The crude product obtained in thismanner was purified by MPLC on about 100 g of silica gel withcyclohexane/ethyl acetate 50:50→0:100 as mobile phase. Evaporation ofthe product fractions and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave966 mg (64% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.04 (d, 1H), 8.52 (dd, 1H), 8.19-8.15(m, 2H), 7.95-7.93 (m, 2H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H),7.33 (dd, 1H), 6.94 (d, 1H), 6.01 (s, 1H), 3.69 (s, 2H), 2.39 (s, 3H),2.28 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 9H) [a further signal is obscured by the CHCl₃peak].

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.21 min, m/z=648 [M+H]⁺.

Example 151[3-({2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenyl]aceticacid

920 mg (1.42 mmol) of the compound of Example 150 were dissolved in 18ml (71 mmol) of a 4 M solution of hydrogen chloride in dioxane. Afterthe reaction mixture had been stirred at RT for 2 h, about 5 ml ofmethanol were added and all volatile components were then removed on arotary evaporator. 85 mg of the crude product obtained in this mannerwere purified by preparative HPLC (Method 36). Pooling of the productfractions, evaporation and drying under high vacuum gave 31 mg of thetitle compound and 34 mg of the corresponding methyl ester (see Example152). The remaining crude product was purified by MPLC on about 30 g ofsilica gel with ethyl acetate as mobile phase. Here, after pooling ofthe product fractions, evaporation and drying under high vacuum, 301 mgof the title compound and 387 mg of the corresponding methyl ester wereobtained. This gave a total of 332 mg (39% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 12.62 (broad, 1H), 10.30 (s, 1H), 9.04(s, 1H), 8.48 (d, 1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.18-8.16 (m, 2H), 8.08 (s, 1H),7.89 (d, 1H), 7.49-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.30 (s,1H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.95 min, m/z=592 [M+H]⁺.

Example 152 Methyl[3-({2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}carbamoyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)phenyl]acetate

920 mg (1.42 mmol) of the compound of Example 150 were dissolved in 18ml (71 mmol) of a 4 M solution of hydrogen chloride in dioxane. Thereaction mixture was stirred at RT for 2 h, and about 5 ml of methanolwere then added, and all volatile components were then removed on arotary evaporator. 85 mg of the crude product obtained in this mannerwere purified by preparative HPLC (Method 36). Pooling of the productfractions, evaporation and drying under high vacuum gave 34 mg of thetitle compound and 31 mg of the corresponding carboxylic acid (seeExample 151). The remaining crude product was purified by MPLC on about30 g of silica gel with ethyl acetate as mobile phase. Here, afterpooling of the product fractions, evaporation and drying under highvacuum, 387 mg of the title compound and 301 mg of the correspondingcarboxylic acid were obtained. This gave a total of 421 mg (48% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.03 (s, 1H), 9.52 (d, 1H), 8.20 (s,1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1H), 7.93-7.86 (m, 3H), 7.49(d, 1H), 7.32 (dd, 1H), 6.94 (d, 1H), 6.00 (s, 1H), 3.79 (s, 2H), 3.75(s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.05 min, m/z=606 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1533-(2-Amino-2-oxoethyl)-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

85 mg (0.128 mmol) of the compound of Example 151 and 58 mg (0.154 mmol)of HATU were initially charged in 2 ml of DMF, and 67 μl (0.384 mmol) ofN,N-diisopropylethylamine and 1.3 ml (0.640 mmol) of a 0.5 M solution ofammonia in THF were then added. After the reaction mixture had beenstirred at RT for about 16 h, the entire mixture was separated into itscomponents by preparative HPLC (Method 36). The product fractions werecombined and concentrated to dryness on a rotary evaporator. For furtherpurification, the product was triturated for 10 min at RT with a few mlof pentane/diisopropyl ether 4:1. The solid was separated off and driedunder high vacuum. This gave 9 mg (11% of theory, 95% pure) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 8.48 (d,1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 8.14 (s, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d,1H), 7.63 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.41 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 7.06(s, 1H), 6.31 (s, 1H), 3.64 (s, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=0.88 min, m/z=591 [M+H]⁺.

Example 154N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Under argon and at 0° C., 661 μl (0.661 mmol) of a 1 M solution ofmethylmagnesium bromide in THF were added to a solution of 100 mg (0.165mmol) of the compound of Example 152 in 3 ml of anhydrous THF. Theice/water bath was removed and stirring was continued at RT. After about16 h, 0.5 ml of saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution were addedto the reaction mixture. The mixture was stirred for another couple ofminutes and then diluted with about 20 ml of ethyl acetate. Solidmagnesium sulphate was added with stirring. The mixture was thenfiltered and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The residueobtained was taken up in 5 ml of pentane, and a few drops of diisopropylether were added. The solid was stirred in this mixture at RT for 10min. The solid was then filtered off with suction, washed with pentaneand dried under high vacuum. This gave 60 mg (57% of theory, 95% pure)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃, δ/ppm): 9.00 (s, 1H), 8.50 (d, 1H), 8.16 (s,1H), 8.14 (dt, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 7.82 (s,1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.31 (dd, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 6.93 (d, 1H), 5.97 (s,1H), 2.90 (s, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.27 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.04 min, m/z=606 [M+H]⁺.

Example 155N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-[(2-methoxy-ethoxy)methyl]-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

58 mg (0.173 mmol) of the compound of Example 98A and 75 mg (0.198 mmol)of HATU were dissolved in 1 ml of DMF, and 24 mg (0.198 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were added slowly. 50 mg (0.165 mmol)of the compound of Example 11A were then added. The reaction mixture wasstirred at RT for about 16 h and then separated into its components bypreparative HPLC (Method 36). Pooling of the product fractions,evaporation and drying of the residue under high vacuum gave 76 mg (75%of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.06 (d, 1H), 8.50 (dd,1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 8.24-8.21 (m, 2H), 8.07 (s, 1H), 7.89 (d, 1H),7.50-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.46 (dd, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.32 (s, 1H), 4.70 (s,2H), 3.65 (dd, 2H), 3.52 (dd, 2H), 3.26 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.07 min, m/z=622 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1563-Cyano-N-{2-hydroxy-4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 155, 37 mg (0.109 mmol)of the compound of Example 82A and 28 mg (0.104 mmol) of the compound ofExample 23A were reacted to give 9 mg (15% of theory) of the titlecompound. Here, preparative HPLC purification was carried out accordingto Method 37.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.39 (s, 1H), 9.62 (s, 1H), 9.10 (s,1H), 8.83 (s, 1H), 8.73-8.72 (m, 2H), 8.56 (d, 1H), 8.41 (d, 1H), 7.86(d, 1H), 7.62 (dd, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 6.96 (d, 1H), 6.27(s, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.00 min, m/z=561 [M+H]⁺.

Example 157N-{4-Chloro-2-methyl-5-[6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 330 mg (1.02 mmol) of the compound of Example84A and 278 mg (0.63 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave, after 16 h of stirring at 50° C. and HPLC purification (Method16), 57.2 mg (10% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.37 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 8.46 (dd,1H), 8.38 (t, 1H), 8.25 (d, 1H), 8.11-8.18 (m, 3H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.79(t, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.39 (dd, 1H), 6.32(s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.30 min, m/z=554/556 [M+H]⁺.

Example 158N-{3-[7-Fluoro-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-methylphenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 60 mg (0.195 mmol)of the compound of Example 83A and 48 mg (0.195 mmol) of3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid gave 35 mg (33% of theory) ofthe title compound. The product obtained from the preparative HPLCpurification was dissolved in a little methanol and passed through abicarbonate cartridge (from Polymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MPSPE, capacity 0.9 mmol). After concentration of the eluate, the residuewas dried under high vacuum.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 8.98 (m, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.41 (m,1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.17-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.98 (m, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H),7.84-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.47 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.12 min, m/z=538 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1593-Cyano-N-{3-[7-fluoro-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-methylphenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to the process described in Example 126, 60 mg (0.195 mmol)of the compound of Example 83A and 53 mg (0.195 mmol) of the compound ofExample 23A gave 61 mg (55% of theory) of the title compound. Theproduct obtained from the preparative HPLC purification was dissolved ina little methanol and passed through a bicarbonate cartridge (fromPolymerlabs, Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol).After concentration of the eluate, the residue was dried under highvacuum.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.79 (s, 1H), 8.99 (d, 1H), 8.84 (dd,1H), 8.74 (s, 1H), 8.66 (t, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.13 (dt, 1H), 7.96 (d,1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.48 (m, 2H), 2.31(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.12 min, m/z=563 [M+H]⁺.

Example 160N-{3-[7-Fluoro-6-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-4-methylphenyl}-3-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

60 mg (0.195 mmol) of the compound of Example 83A and 60 mg (0.195 mmol)of the compound of Example 19A were dissolved in 2 ml of DMF, and 89 mg(0.234 mmol) of HATU and 41 μl (0.234 mmol) of N,N-diisopropylethylaminewere added in succession. After about 16 h of stirring at RT, thereaction mixture was diluted with 1 ml of acetonitrile and separatedinto its components by preparative HPLC (Method 36). The productfractions were combined and freed from the solvent on a rotaryevaporator. The residue was dissolved in a little methanol and thesolution was passed through a bicarbonate cartridge (from Polymerlabs,Stratospheres SPE, PL-HCO₃ MP SPE, capacity 0.9 mmol) to convert theformate salt obtained after preparative HPLC into the free base.Evaporation and drying under high vacuum gave 42 mg (35% of theory) ofthe title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.99 (m, 1H), 8.55 (dd,1H), 8.29 (s, 1H), 8.27 (t, 1H), 8.17 (t, 1H), 8.13 (dt, 1H), 7.97 (d,1H), 7.94 (dd, 1H), 7.79 (dd, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.51-7.47 (m, 2H), 5.52(s, 1H), 2.30 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 3, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.09 min, m/z=596 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1613-Bromo-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 170 mg (0.59 mmol) of the compound of Example72A and 211 mg (0.64 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, after 20h at RT, a crude product which, after chromatography on a Biotage system(25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanolincreasing to 8% methanol), afforded 261 mg (65% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.71 (s, 1H), 9.19 (d, 1H), 8.61 (dd,1H), 8.53 (d, 1H), 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.37-8.44 (m, 2H), 7.96 (dd, 2H), 7.76(dd, 1H), 7.64 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.39 (s, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.42 min, m/z=599/601 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1623-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 241 mg (0.40 mmol) of the compound of Example161 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 58.4 mg (25% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.75 (s, 1H), 9.16 (d, 1H), 8.80 (dd,1H), 8.71 (s, 1H), 8.61-8.63 (m, 1H), 8.59 (dd, 1H), 8.51 (d, 1H),7.92-7.96 (m, 2H), 7.73 (dd, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 6.36 (s,1H), 2.28 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=546 [M+H]⁺.

Example 163N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 107 mg (0.37 mmol) of the compound of Example85A and 101 mg (0.41 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave, after 20 h at RT, a crude product which, after HPLC purification(Method 16), afforded 108 mg (54% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.65 (s, 1H), 9.18 (s, 2H), 9.06 (s,1H), 8.38 (t, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.90-7.94 (m, 2H),7.74-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 6.45 (s, 1H), 2.23 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, m/z=521 [M+H]⁺.

Example 164N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 80 mg (0.26 mmol) of the compound of Example86A and 72 mg (0.29 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave, after 20 h of stirring at RT and purification by HPLC (Method 16),75.8 mg (54% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.29 (s, 1H), 9.20 (s, 2H), 9.09 (s,1H), 8.41 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.14 (dd, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.80 (t,1H), 7.47-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.41 (s, 1H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.24(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, m/z=535 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1653-Bromo-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 210 mg (0.69 mmol) of the compound of Example86A and 248 mg (0.76 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, after 20h at RT, a crude product was, after chromatography on a Biotage system(25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanolincreasing to 8% methanol), afforded 356 mg (72% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.17 (s, 2H), 9.06 (s,1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.35-8.40 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.46(s, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.38 min, m/z=613/615 [M+H]⁺(⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Example 1663-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 340 mg (0.55 mmol) of the compound of Example165 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 117 mg (36% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.40 (s, 1H), 9.19 (s, 2H), 9.09 (s,1H), 8.83 (t, 1H), 8.72 (s, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.49-7.53(m, 2H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 6.41 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 6, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.25 min, m/z=560 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1673-Bromo-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 250 mg (0.86 mmol) of the compound of Example87A and 310 mg (0.95 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, after 20h at RT, a crude product which, after chromatography on a Biotage system(25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanolincreasing to 8% methanol), afforded 429 mg (79% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.69 (s, 1H), 9.63 (dd, 1H), 9.16(dd, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.38 (dt, 2H), 7.94-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H),7.77 (dd, 1H), 7.61 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.58-6.62 (m, 1H), 2.23 (s,3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.34 min, m/z=599/601 [M+H]⁺(⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Example 1683-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(pyridazin-4-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 413 mg (0.69 mmol) of the compound of Example167 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 39 mg (10% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.77 (s, 1H), 9.63 (dd, 1H), 9.16(dd, 1H), 8.82 (t, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 8.63 (t, 1H), 7.94-7.99 (m, 2H),7.90 (d, 1H), 7.77 (dd, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H), 7.48 (d, 1H), 6.61 (s, 1H),2.24 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.26 min, m/z=546 [M+H]⁺.

Example 169N-{2,4-Dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 50 mg (0.16 mmol) of the compound of Example88A and 45 mg (0.18 mmol) of 3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acidgave, after 20 h of stirring at RT and purification by HPLC (Method 16),61.3 mg (70% of theory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.29 (s, 1H), 9.12 (dd, 1H), 8.41 (s,1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.10-8.18 (m, 2H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.80 (t, 1H), 7.71(dd, 1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.38 (s, 1H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 2.30(s, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.24 min, m/z=535 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1703-Bromo-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 115 mg (0.38 mmol) of the compound of Example88A and 136 mg (0.42 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, after 20h at RT, a crude product which, after chromatography on a Biotage system(10 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanolincreasing to 8% methanol), afforded 226 mg (78% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.33 (s, 1H), 9.10 (dd, 1H), 8.46 (s,1H), 8.37 (d, 2H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.65-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.56(d, 1H), 7.51 (s, 1H), 7.36 (s, 1H), 6.44 (s, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.26(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R=1.36 min, m/z=613/615 [M+H]⁺ (⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Example 1713-Cyano-N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[6-(pyridazin-3-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 215 mg (0.35 mmol) of the compound of Example170 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 76 mg (39% of theory)of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.40 (s, 1H), 9.12 (dd, 1H), 8.82 (s,1H), 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 8.15 (dd, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 7.71 (dd,1H), 7.59 (d, 1H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H), 6.47 (s, 1H), 2.31 (s,3H), 2.29 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=560 [M+H]⁺.

Example 172N-{4-Methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

193 mg (0.51 mmol) of HATU and 62 mg (0.51 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were added to a solution of 100 mg(0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example 89A and 92 mg (0.37 mmol) of3-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid in 2 ml of DMF. The reactionwas stirred at RT for 20 h. The reaction mixture was then purifieddirectly by preparative HPLC (Method 16). This gave 50.2 mg (27% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.66 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.40 (s,1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.15 (dd, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d,1H), 7.78-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 2.26(s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.30 min, m/z=526 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1733-Fluoro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 100 mg (0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example89A and 99 mg (0.37 mmol) of3-fluoro-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzoic acid gave, after 20 h ofstirring at RT and HPLC purification (Method 16), 27.8 mg (15% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.68 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.28 (s,1H), 8.19-8.24 (m, 2H), 8.17 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.78(dd, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.34 min, m/z=544 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1743-Chloro-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 100 mg (0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example89A and 105 mg (0.37 mmol) of the compound of Example 33A gave, after 20h of stirring at RT and HPLC purification (Method 16), 47.2 mg (25% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.71 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.35-8.38(m, 2H), 8.32-8.34 (m, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H),7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.41 min, m/z=560/562 [M+H]⁺(³⁵Cl/³⁷Cl).

Example 1753-Bromo-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 250 mg (0.85 mmol) of the compound of Example89A and 305 mg (0.93 mmol) of the compound of Example 15A gave, after 20h at RT, a crude product which, after chromatography on a Biotage system(25 g Snap column; mobile phase gradient ethyl acetate/methanolincreasing to 8% methanol), afforded 264 mg (49% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.69 (s, 1H), 8.96 (s, 1H), 8.46 (s,1H), 8.38-8.41 (m, 1H), 8.35-8.38 (m, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.88 (d, 1H),7.85 (d, 1H), 7.76 (dd, 1H), 7.51 (d, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 6.23 (s, 1H),2.23 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.42 min, m/z=604/606 [M+H]⁺(⁷⁹Br/⁸¹Br).

Example 1763-(Methylsulphonyl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

193 mg (0.51 mmol) of HATU and 62 mg (0.51 mmol) of4-N,N-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) were added to a solution of 100 mg(0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example 89A and 122 mg (0.37 mmol) of thecompound of Example 32A in 2 ml of DMF. The reaction was stirred at RTfor 20 h. The reaction mixture was then purified directly by preparativeHPLC (Method 16). This gave 86.4 mg (42% of theory) of the titlecompound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.91 (s, 1H), 8.98 (d, 1H), 8.79 (s,1H), 8.74 (t, 1H), 8.55 (t, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.87 (dd,1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 3.45 (s,3H), 2.27 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.23 min, m/z=604 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1773-Cyano-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 79, 260 mg (0.43 mmol) of the compound of Example175 gave, after purification by HPLC (Method 16), 57.2 mg (23% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.77 (s, 1H), 7.91 (d, 1H), 8.98 (s,1H), 8.81-8.85 (m, 1H), 8.73 (s, 1H), 8.63-8.68 (m, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H),7.87 (d, 1H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.49 (d, 1H), 6.24 (s, 1H),2.26 (s, 3H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.29 min, m/z=551 [M+H]⁺.

Example 1783-(2-Hydroxypropan-2-yl)-N-{4-methyl-3-[6-(1,3-thiazol-5-yl)-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazol-1-yl]-phenyl}-5-(pentafluoro-λ⁶-sulphanyl)benzamide

Analogously to Example 90, 100 mg (0.34 mmol) of the compound of Example89A and 114 mg (0.37 mmol) of the compound of Example 19A gave, after 20h of stirring at RT and HPLC purification (Method 16), 76.2 mg (35% oftheory) of the title compound.

¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d₆, δ/ppm): 10.63 (s, 1H), 8.98 (s, 1H), 8.25-8.30(m, 2H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.16 (t, 1H), 7.92 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 7.79(dd, 1H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 5.49-5.52 (m, 1H),2.25 (s, 3H), 1.50 (s, 6H).

LC/MS (Method 7, ESIpos): R_(t)=1.27 min, m/z=584 [M+H]⁺.

B. ASSESSMENT OF PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

The pharmacological activity of the compounds according to the inventioncan be demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies, as known to theperson skilled in the art. The use examples below describe thebiological activity of the compounds according to the invention withoutlimiting the invention to these examples.

Abbreviations and Acronyms:

-   Ahx 6-aminohexanoic acid-   ATP adenosine triphosphate-   BSA bovine serum albumin-   DMSO dimethyl sulphoxide-   EDTA ethylenediamine-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid-   EGTA ethylene glycol-bis(aminoethylether)-N,N,N′N′-tetraacetic acid-   ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-   FCS foetal calf serum-   GST glutathione S-transferase-   HEPES 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-ethanesulphonic acid-   HRP horseradish peroxidase-   HUVEC human umbilical vein endothelial cells-   PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis-   PBS phosphate-buffered saline-   PEG polyethylene glycol-   PMSF phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride-   pTyr phosphotyrosine-   SDS sodium dodecylsulphate-   Tris tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-   VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor-   v/v ratio by volume (of a solution)-   w/v ratio by weight (of a solution)

B-1. Tie2 Kinase Assay:

The Tie2-inhibitory activity of the substances according to theinvention was determined with the aid of one of the Tie2-TR-FRET assaysdescribed in the sections below at an ATP concentration of 1 mM(TR-FRET=Time-Resolved Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer):

The enzyme used was a recombinant fusion protein of glutathioneS-transferase (GST) and the intracellular domain of human Tie2 (aminoacids 776-1124) which was expressed in Baculovirus-infected insect cells(Hi5) and was purified by affinity chromatography onglutathione-Sepharose. Alternatively, it is also possible to usecommercially available GST-His6-Tie2 fusion protein (ProQinase GmbH,Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany). The substrate used for the kinasereaction was the biotinylated peptide biotin-Ahx-EPKDDAYPLYSDFG(C-terminus in amide form) which is commercially available (for examplefrom Biosyntan, Berlin, Germany).

For the assay, 50 nl of a 100-fold concentrated solution of therespective test substance in DMSO were pipetted into a black low-volume384-well microtitre plate (Greiner Bio-One, Frickenhausen, Germany) 2 μlof a solution of the Tie2 fusion protein in assay buffer [50 mMHEPES/HCl pH 7, 10 mM MgCl₂, 2.5 mM MnCl₂, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 0.01%(v/v) Nonidet P-40, 0.1% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA), 1× CompleteEDTA-free protease inhibitor mixture (Roche)] were added, and themixture was incubated for 15 min to allow pre-binding of the substanceto the enzyme prior to the kinase reaction. The kinase reaction was thenstarted by adding 3 μl of a solution of adenosine triphosphate (ATP,1.67 mM→final concentration in 5 μl assay volume=1 mM) and substrate(1.67 μM→final concentration in 5 μl assay volume=1 μM) in assay buffer,and the resulting mixture was incubated for a reaction time of 60 min at22° C. The concentration of the Tie2 fusion protein was adapted to therespective activity of the enzyme and adjusted such that the assay wascarried out in the linear range. Typical concentrations were in therange of 30 ng/ml.

The reaction was stopped by addition of 5 μl of a solution of TR-FRETdetection reagents [200 nM streptavidin-XL665 and 2 nM PT66-Eu chelate,a europium chelate-labelled anti-phosphotyrosine antibody(Perkin-Elmer); alternatively, it is also possible to use PT66-Tbcryptate (Cisbio Bioassays, Codolet, France)] in aqueous EDTAsolution[90 mM EDTA, 0.28% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (BSA) in 50 mMHEPES pH 7.5]. The resulting mixture was incubated at 22° C. for 1 h toallow formation of the complex of the biotinylated phosphorylatedsubstrate and the detection reagents. The amount of phosphorylatedsubstrate was then determined by measuring the resonance energy transferfrom PT66-Eu chelate to streptavidin-XL665. To this end, thefluorescence emissions at 620 nm and 665 nm after excitation at 350 nmwere measured in a TR-FRET measuring instrument (for example Viewlux,Perkin-Elmer). The ratio of the emissions at 665 nm and at 620 nm wastaken as a measure of the amount of phosphorylated substrate. The dataobtained in this manner were normalized (enzyme reaction withoutinhibitor=0% inhibition; all other assay components, but no enzyme=100%inhibition).

Usually, the test substance in question was tested on the samemicrotitre plate at ten different concentrations in the range from 20 μMto 0.073 nM (for example at 20 μM, 5.7 μM, 1.6 μM, 0.47 μM, 0.13 μM, 38nM, 11 nM, 3.1 nM, 0.89 nM, 0.25 nM and 0.073 nM) in duplicate for eachconcentration. The dilution series were prepared prior to the assay atthe stage of the 100-fold concentrated solution by serial dilution (theexact concentrations may vary depending on the pipettors used in eachcase). IC₅₀ values were calculated using a 4-parameter fit, with the aidof inhouse software.

Table 1 below lists the IC₅₀ values from this assay for individualworking examples (in some cases as means of several independentindividual determinations):

TABLE 1 Example No. IC₅₀ [nmol/l] 1 0.3 2 6.0 3 1.2 4 0.6 5 380 6 5.0 7105 8 1.9 9 6.7 10 0.3 11 0.3 12 0.7 13 1.3 14 0.4 15 24 16 0.7 17 0.318 0.7 19 0.9 20 3.1 21 2.1 22 0.6 23 0.3 24 0.8 25 1.9 26 0.8 27 3.1 282.1 29 2.0 30 2.0 31 1.1 32 0.4 33 2.5 34 2.1 35 0.5 36 0.3 37 0.4 38 1539 320 40 0.5 41 35 42 1.5 43 56 44 130 45 740 46 980 47 0.3 48 0.3 490.3 50 1.2 51 0.7 52 230 53 340 54 670 55 275 56 52 57 995 58 330 59 60060 125 61 260 62 500 63 770 64 41 65 57 66 7.9 67 57 68 71 69 580 70 10571 34 72 350 73 0.3 74 0.5 75 0.5 76 82 77 13 78 115 79 26 80 725 81 43582 250 83 110 84 220 85 20 86 1.1 87 980 88 23 89 2.3 90 91 91 215 92 2993 19 95 350 96 47 97 9.2 98 595 99 240 100 175 102 19 103 130 105 39106 110 107 0.6 108 0.7 109 0.5 110 5.0 111 0.7 112 0.7 113 0.6 114 0.3115 0.8 116 0.5 118 0.4 119 110 120 37 121 18 122 3.9 123 56 124 297 125280 126 1.2 127 1.4 128 43 129 3.2 130 24 131 252 132 4.6 133 53 134 55135 607 136 687 137 409 138 65 139 0.5 140 0.5 141 62 142 0.9 143 1.3144 0.6 145 0.9 146 0.7 147 0.2 148 0.4 149 2.3 150 2.4 151 6.1 152 0.4153 0.3 154 0.4 155 0.7 156 5.9 157 0.5 158 58 159 10 160 1.0 162 28 1638.9 164 0.4 165 1.7 166 0.3 168 726 169 1.0 170 1.2 171 0.3 172 7.8 1739.3 174 2.8 175 3.2 176 0.8 177 1.8 178 0.8B-2. Tie2-pTyr-ELISA:

The cellular activity of the compounds according to the invention asTie2 kinase inhibitors was determined in human endothelial cells (HUVEC)by measuring the inhibition of the autophosphorylation, elevated bytreatment with sodium orthovanadate, of the endogenous Tie2 receptor bymeans of a Tie2/phosphotyrosine sandwich ELISA.

Cell Culture:

Human endothelial cells (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVEC)were obtained from Cellsystems (FC-0003), cultured in Vasculife VEGFcomplete medium (Cellsystems, LL-1020) with 2% foetal calf serum (FCS)at 37° C./5% CO₂ and used for Tie2-ELISA measurements up to passage 8.

Cell Treatment:

HUVEC were plated in a culture volume of 100 μl of Vasculife VEGFcomplete medium at a cell density of 30 000 cells per well intransparent collagen-coated 96-well cell culture plates (Falcon,#353075) and incubated in an incubation cabinet at 37° C./5% CO₂overnight. The test substances dissolved in DMSO were used to prepare ineach case one dilution series in Vasculife VEGF low-serum medium [basalmedium with LifeFactors (Cellsystems, LM-0002), without FCS, with 0.1%BSA] without sodium orthovanadate and one dilution series in VasculifeVEGF low-serum-medium with 8 mM sodium orthovanadate in the desiredconcentrations in the range from 10 pM to 10 μM, the final DMSOconcentration being 1%. After removal of the complete medium, 100 μl perwell of the dilute substances in low-serum medium without sodiumorthovanadate were pipetted onto the cells, and the plates wereincubated in an incubation cabinet at 37° C./5% CO₂ for 10 min. Afurther 100 μl of the same substance dilution in low-serum medium with 8mM sodium orthovanadate were then pipetted into the respective well andthe cells were incubated in a volume of now 200 μl in the presence of 4mM sodium orthovanadate at the desired substance concentration in anincubation cabinet at 37° C./5% CO₂ for a further 20 min. The cellsupernatant of the plates was then removed and the cells were washedonce with 250 μl per well of cold PBS which contained 4 mM sodiumorthovanadate. 120 μl of Duschl lysis buffer [50 mM HEPES pH 7.2, 150 mMNaCl, 1 mM MgCl₂, 10% glycerol, 1.5% Triton X-100, 4 mM sodiumorthovanadate, 250 μl S-PIC phosphatase inhibitor cocktail 2 (Sigma,P5726) and 1 tablet of Complete proteinase inhibitor mixture (Roche,#1836145) per 10 ml] were then added to the cells in each well. Theplates were shaken briefly and then incubated on ice for 20 min, and thelysates in the cell culture plates were then frozen at −80° C. for atleast 30 min.

Sandwich ELISA:

For measuring the autophosphorylation of the endogenous Tie2 receptor inthe cell lysates prepared, a self-prepared anti-Tie2 antibody directedagainst the N-terminus of the Tie-2 receptor (1.09 mg/ml) and anHRP-coupled anti-phosphotyrosine antibody (Sigma, A4595, clone pY-20)were used. White 96-well ELISA plates (Lumitrac600, Greiner, #655074)were incubated with 100 μl per well of a 1:1000 dilution of theanti-Tie2 antibody in coating buffer [15 mM Na₂CO₃, 35 mM NaHCO₃, pH9.6] with shaking at 4° C. overnight. The coated ELISA plates werewashed three times with 250 μl PBST buffer [0.1% Tween-20 in PBS], thewells were blocked with 250 μl 3% BSA in PBST buffer with shaking at RTfor 1-6 h and washed three more times with 250 μl PBST buffer. From thecell lysate plates thawed in the fridge, in each case 100 μl of lysatewere transferred into the coated wells of the ELISA plates, and theplates were incubated with shaking at 4° C. overnight. The plates werewashed three times with in each case 250 μl of PBST buffer, and 100 μlof a 1:5000 dilution of the anti-phosphotyrosine HRP antibody in 3%Prionex (Calbiochem, #529600) in PBST were then pipetted into each welland the plates were incubated with shaking and protected from light at4° C. overnight. The plates were washed three times with in each case250 μl of PBST, and 100 μl of chemiluminescent substrate [BMChemiluminescence ELISA Substrate (POD) Reagent A and B 1:100, Roche,#1582950] were then pipetted into each well, and after 3 min the plateswere measured using a luminescence reader. Means and standard deviationsof individual measurements were calculated from triple determinationsusing Microsoft Excel. For data analysis and determination of the IC₅₀values, the GraphPad Prism 5 software package was used.

Table 2 below lists the IC₅₀ values, determined from 2-7 independentmeasurements, from this assay for representative working examples:

TABLE 2 Example No. IC₅₀ [nmol/l] 2 7.6 3 3.4 4 4.7 6 17 12 4.7 16 3.218 11 26 3.0 28 3.6 32 2.1 40 2.3 48 6.4 51 8.8 66 46 73 0.8 74 0.6 751.7 77 8.8 85 44 88 41 102 18 107 0.9 112 1.4 116 2.9 157 1.0 162 8.9

B-3. Inhibition of the Ang1-Mediated Tie2 Phosphorylation In Vivo:

To assess the activity of selected compounds according to the inventionon the target protein in vivo, the inhibition of the phosphorylation ofTie2 in the lungs of immunodeficient mice was examined in ex vivoanalyses.

To this end, at time point 0, 50 or 100 mg/kg of the respective testsubstance was administered p.o. to three animals per group, and the Tie2phosphorylation was induced after 2 h 45 min by i.v. administration of12.5 μg of angiopoietin-1 (R&D Systems, order No. 923-AN/CF) per animal.After 15 min, the animals were sacrificed and the lungs were removed andimmediately shock-frozen in liquid nitrogen. The lungs were comminutedwith dry-ice cooling and dispersed in orthovanadate- and proteaseinhibitor-containing lysis buffer [50 mM Tris-Cl pH˜8, 150 mM NaCl, 10%glycerol, 1.5% Triton X-100, 1 mM EGTA, 50 mM NaF, 10 mM Na₄P₂O₇, 4 mMNa3VO₄, 1% phosphatase inhibitor cocktail 2 (Sigma, P5726), 1 mM PMSF,Complete mini EDTA-free Protease Inhibitor Cocktail Tablet (Roche, orderNo. 1836170)] using an Ultra-Turrax (T10 basic, IKA-Werke, Germany).After 20 minutes of incubation on ice, the lung homogenizates werecentrifuged at 4° C. and 13 000 rpm for 10 min and the proteinconcentration of the supernatants (lung lysates) were determined by BCAassay (Pierce Thermo Scientific, order No. 23225).

For immunoprecipitation, 5-8 mg of lysate protein were mixed with 5 μgof a monoclonal antibody directed against the human Tie2 receptor(anti-human Tie2 mouse monoclonal Ab, USBiological, #T5498-72) andincubated for 1 h at 4° C. on a rotator rotating overhead. 30 μl ofpacked protein G-Sepharose beads (Protein G Sepharose 4 Fast Flow, GEHealthcare, order No. 17-0618-01) washed in lysis buffer were then addedto the lysate antibody solution and the mixture was incubated furtherunder identical conditions overnight. The protein G-Sepharose beads weresedimented by centrifugation (30 sec), the supernatant was discarded andthe beads were washed three times with cold lysis buffer. The beads wereheated in in each case 40-70 μl reducing SDS-PAGE sample buffer [NuPAGELDS Sample Buffer (4×), Invitrogen, #NP0007, NuPAGE Sample ReducingAgent, Invitrogen, #NP0004] at 95° C. for 7 min, and 15-25 μl of eachsample per gel lane were separated on a 4-12% Criterion gel (CriterionXT Precast Gel, BIO-RAD). The proteins were transferred from thepolyacrylamide gel by means of a Trans-Blot Semi-Dry apparatus (BIO-RADTrans-Blot SD Semi-Dry Electrophoretic Transfer Cell, Cat. No. 170-3940)to a nitrocellulose membrane (BIO-RAD Trans-Blot Transfer Medium PureNitrocellulose Membrane, Cat. No. 162-0114). To block unspecific bindingsites, the membrane was incubated with shaking at RT in TBST buffer [50mM Tris-Cl pH 7.5, 150 mM NaCl, 0.05% Tween-20] with 3% BSA for 1 h.

For the detection of phosphorylated Tie2, the membrane was incubatedovernight at 4° C. with a solution of 0.5 μg/ml of ananti-phospho(Y992)-Tie2 antibody (R&D Systems, order No. AF2720) in thesame BSA-containing buffer, washed three times with TBST and incubatedfor 1 h at RT with an appropriate HRP-coupled second antibody (Dianova,order No. 711-035-152). After three further wash steps, the bandscorresponding to the Tie2 protein phosphorylated at tyrosine-992 weredetected via chemiluminescence (SuperSignal® West Dura Extended DurationSubstrate, Pierce Thermo Scientific, #34075) with the BIO-RAD MolecularImager ChemiDoc XRS. For the detection of Tie2 total protein on the blotmembrane, initially the antibodies bound on the membrane were removed byheating for 30 minutes in a water bath at 50° C. in a Tris-HCl buffer(62.5 mM Tris-Cl pH 6.5) with 2% SDS and 100 mM β-mercaptoethanol andthen washing three times. The membranes were then incubated overnight at4° C. with an antibody able to recognize the total Tie2 protein(Anti-mouse Tie2 goat polyclonal Ab, R&D Systems, #AF762, 0.2 μg/ml).After washing and incubation with the appropriate second antibody(Dianova, #705-035-147), the Tie2 protein bands were detected asdescribed above. The protein bands were evaluated densitometricallyusing the software of the BIO-RAD imager and the ratio of phosphorylatedto total Tie2 protein was determined

B-4. Inhibition of Tumour Growth in Human Tumour Xenograft Models:

Human tumour xenograft models in immunodeficient mice were used toassess the effect of the substances. For this purpose, tumour cells werecultured in vitro and implanted subcutaneously into nu/nu mice. Theanimals were treated by peroral administration of the test substanceafter the tumour had been established. The state of health of theanimals was checked daily, and the treatments were performed inaccordance with animal welfare regulations. The tumour area was measuredwith slide gauges (length L, breadth B=shorter dimension). The tumourvolume was calculated by the formula (L×B²)/2. The inhibition in tumourgrowth was determined at the end of the study as the T/C ratio of thetumour areas and tumour weights and as the TGI value (tumour growthinhibition, calculated from the formula [1−(T/C)]×100) (T=tumour size inthe treated group; C=tumour size in the untreated control group).

B-5. Determination of Pharmacokinetic Parameters after Intravenous andPeroral Administration:

The substance to be examined was administered to animals (for examplemice or rats) intravenously as a solution (for example in correspondingplasma with a small addition of DMSO or in a PEG/ethanol/water mixture),and peroral administration was effected as a solution (for example inSolutol/ethanol/water or PEG/ethanol/water mixtures) or as a suspension(e.g. in tylose), in each case via a gavage. After administration of thesubstance, blood was taken from the animals at fixed times. The bloodwas heparinized, then plasma was obtained therefrom by centrifugation.The substance was quantified analytically in the plasma via LC-MS/MS.From the plasma concentration/time plots determined in this way, usingan internal standard and with the aid of a validated computer program,the pharmacokinetic parameters, such as AUC (area under theconcentration/time curve), C_(max) (maximum plasma concentration),t_(1/2) (half life), V_(SS) (distribution volume) and CL (clearance),and the absolute and relative bioavailability F and F_(rel) (i.v./p.o.comparison or comparison of suspension to solution after p.o.administration), were calculated.

C. WORKING EXAMPLES OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS

The compounds according to the invention can be converted topharmaceutical formulations as follows:

Tablet: Composition:

100 mg of the compound according to the invention, 50 mg of lactose(monohydrate), 50 mg of maize starch (native), 10 mg ofpolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP 25) (BASF, Ludwigshafen, Germany) and 2 mg ofmagnesium stearate.

Tablet weight 212 mg, diameter 8 mm, radius of curvature 12 mm

Preparation:

The mixture of the compound according to the invention, lactose andstarch is granulated with a 5% solution (w/w) of the PVP in water. Afterdrying, the granules are mixed with the magnesium stearate for 5minutes. This mixture is pressed with a conventional tableting press(for tablet dimensions see above). The guide value used for the pressingis a pressing force of 15 kN.

Suspension for Oral Administration: Composition:

1000 mg of the compound according to the invention, 1000 mg of ethanol(96%), 400 mg of Rhodigel® (xanthan gum from FMC, Pennsylvania, USA) and99 g of water.

A single dose of 100 mg of the compound according to the inventioncorresponds to 10 ml of oral suspension.

Preparation:

The Rhodigel is suspended in ethanol and the compound according to theinvention is added to the suspension. The water is added while stirring.The mixture is stirred for approx. 6 h until swelling of the Rhodigelhas ended.

Solution for Oral Administration: Composition:

500 mg of the compound according to the invention, 2.5 g of polysorbateand 97 g of polyethylene glycol 400. A single dose of 100 mg of thecompound according to the invention corresponds to 20 g of oralsolution.

Preparation:

The compound according to the invention is suspended in the mixture ofpolyethylene glycol and polysorbate while stirring. The stirringoperation is continued until dissolution of the compound according tothe invention is complete.

i.v. Solution:

The compound according to the invention is dissolved in a concentrationbelow the saturation solubility in a physiologically acceptable solvent(e.g. isotonic saline, glucose solution 5% and/or PEG 400 solution 30%).The solution is subjected to sterile filtration and dispensed intosterile and pyrogen-free injection vessels.

1. Compound of the formula (I)

in which Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl selected fromthe group consisting of

in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping and Yrepresents O, S or NH, R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine, R² representshydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, R^(4A) and R^(4B)independently of one another represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine,methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, hydroxymethyl,methoxymethyl, ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy or trifluoromethoxy, R⁵represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl, R⁶ representshydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy, Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N, Z²represents C—R^(7B) or N, Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N, Z⁴ represents C—R⁹ orN and Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N, where in total at most one of the ringmembers Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ represents N and in which R^(7A) andR^(7B) independently of one another represent hydrogen, fluorine,chlorine, methyl, hydroxy or methoxy, R⁸ represents hydrogen, fluorine,chlorine or methyl, R⁹ represents hydrogen, pentafluorosulphanyl,(trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, trimethylsilyl, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl,(C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl or tetrahydropyranyl, where(C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted up to six times byfluorine and (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, oxetanyl and tetrahydropyranyl may besubstituted up to two times by identical or different radicals selectedfrom the group consisting of fluorine, methyl, trifluoromethyl andhydroxy, and R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine,cyano, (C₁-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl,(C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl, phenyl, 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or a group ofthe formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),-L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴, where(C₁-C₆)-alkyl and (C₁-C₆)-alkoxy may be substituted by a radicalselected from the group consisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy,2-hydroxyethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy, 2-ethoxyethoxy, amino, methylamino anddimethylamino or up to six times by fluorine and (C₃-C₆)-cycloalkyl maybe substituted up to two times by identical or different radicalsselected from the group consisting of methyl, hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy,amino, methylamino and dimethylamino and phenyl and 5- or 6-memberedheteroaryl may be substituted up to two times by identical or differentradicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine,cyano, methyl and trifluoromethyl, and in which L¹ represents a bond or—CH₂—, L² represents a bond or —CH₂—, L³ represents a bond or —O—, R¹¹represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) andR^(13B) independently of one another represent hydrogen or(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl may in each case be substituted by aradical selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy,amino, methylamino and dimethylamino, or R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A)and R^(13B), respectively, are attached to one another and together withthe nitrogen atom to which they are respectively attached form a 4- to6-membered heterocycle which may contain a further ring heteroatom fromthe group consisting of N, O and S and which may be substituted up totwo times by identical or different radicals selected from the groupconsisting of fluorine, cyano, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy and oxo, and R¹⁴represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which is attached via a ringcarbon atom and contains a ring heteroatom from the group consisting ofN, O and S and which may be substituted up to two times by identical ordifferent radicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine,cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy and oxo, where R¹⁰ doesnot represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine if Z⁴ representsCH or N, and Z⁵ does not represent N if Z⁴ represents CH, and its salts,solvates and solvates of the salts.
 2. Compound of the formula (I)according to claim 1 in which Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-memberedazaheteroaryl selected from the group consisting of

in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping and Yrepresents S or NH, R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine, R² representshydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R³ represents hydrogen, R^(4A) and R^(4B)independently of one another represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine,methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl or methoxy,R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl, R⁶ representshydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy, Z¹ represents C—R^(7A) or N, Z²represents C—R^(7B) or N, Z³ represents C—R⁸ or N, Z⁴ represents C—R⁹and Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰ or N, where in total at most one of the ringmembers Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ represents N and in which R^(7A) andR^(7B) independently of one another represent hydrogen or fluorine, R⁸represents hydrogen or fluorine, R⁹ represents hydrogen,pentafluorosulphanyl, (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl,(C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or oxetanyl, where (C₁-C₄)-alkyland (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up to six times by fluorine andcyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetanyl may be substituted up to two timesby identical or different radicals selected from the group consisting offluorine, methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy, and R¹⁰ representshydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano, (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy,(C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkylsulphonyl, 5-membered azaheteroaryl or agroup of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹, -L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B),-L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B), -L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴, where(C₁-C₄)-alkyl and (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by a radicalselected from the group consisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy and aminoor up to three times by fluorine and 5-membered azaheteroaryl may besubstituted up to two times by methyl, and in which L¹ represents a bondor —CH₂—, L² represents a bond, L³ represents a bond or —O—, R¹¹represents hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R^(12A), R^(12B), R^(13A) andR^(13B) independently of one another represent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkylor R^(12A) and R^(12B) and R^(13A) and R^(13B), respectively, areattached to one another and together with the nitrogen atom to whichthey are respectively attached form a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle whichmay contain a further ring heteroatom from the group consisting of N andO and which may be substituted up to two times by identical or differentradicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, cyano, methyl,ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy and ethoxy, and R¹⁴ represents a 4- to6-membered heterocycle which is attached via a ring carbon atom andcontains a ring heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O andwhich may be substituted up to two times by identical or differentradicals selected from the group consisting of fluorine, cyano, methyl,ethyl, hydroxy, methoxy and ethoxy, where R¹⁰ does not representhydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or bromine if Z⁴ represents CH, and Z⁵ doesnot represent N if Z⁴ represents CH, and its salts, solvates andsolvates of the salts.
 3. Compound of the formula (I) according to claim1 in which Ar^(N) represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of theformula

in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping and Yrepresents S or NH, R¹ represents hydrogen or fluorine, R² representshydrogen or methyl, R³ represents hydrogen, R^(4A) represents chlorine,methyl or trifluoromethyl, R^(4B) represents hydrogen, fluorine,chlorine or methyl, R⁵ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine ormethyl, R⁶ represents hydrogen, fluorine, methyl or hydroxy, Z¹represents CH, Z² represents CH, Z³ represents CH or N, Z⁴ representsC—R⁹, in which R⁹ represents pentafluorosulphanyl,(trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,(C₂-C₄)-alkyl, (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl or oxetan-3-yl,where (C₂-C₄)-alkyl and (C₂-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted up to fivetimes by fluorine and cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and oxetan-3-yl may besubstituted by a radical selected from the group consisting of fluorine,methyl, trifluoromethyl and hydroxy, and Z⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in whichR¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, cyano,(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl,1H-imidazol-1-yl or a group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹,-L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B), -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B),-L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴, where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and(C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by a radical selected from the groupconsisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times byfluorine and 1H-imidazol-1-yl may be substituted up to two times bymethyl, and in which L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—, L² represents abond, L³ represents a bond or —O—, R¹¹ represents hydrogen or(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, R^(12A) and R^(12B) independently of one anotherrepresent hydrogen or (C₁-C₄)-alkyl or R^(12A) and R^(12B) are attachedto one another and together with the nitrogen atom to which they areattached form a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle which may contain a furtherring heteroatom from the group consisting of N and O and which may besubstituted by a radical selected from the group consisting of cyano,methyl, hydroxy and methoxy or up to two times with fluorine, R^(13A)and R^(13B) independently of one another represent hydrogen or(C₁-C₄)-alkyl, and R¹⁴ represents a 4- to 6-membered heterocycle whichis attached via a ring carbon atom and, as ring heteroatom, contains anitrogen atom and which may be substituted by a radical selected fromthe group consisting of cyano, methyl, hydroxy and methoxy or up to twotimes with fluorine, and its salts, solvates and solvates of the salts.4. Compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1, in which Ar^(N)represents 5- or 6-membered azaheteroaryl of the formula

in which * marks the attachment to the imidazopyrazole grouping R¹represents hydrogen, R² represents hydrogen or methyl, R³ representshydrogen, R^(4A) represents chlorine or methyl, R^(4B) representshydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or methyl, R⁵ represents hydrogen, R⁶represents hydrogen, Z¹ represents CH, Z² represents CH, Z³ representsCH or N, Z⁴ represents C—R⁹, in which R⁹ representspentafluorosulphanyl, (trifluoromethyl)sulphanyl, trifluoromethyl,2-fluoropropan-2-yl, tert-butyl, 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-methylpropan-2-yl,trifluoromethoxy, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy or 3-methyloxetan-3-yl, andZ⁵ represents C—R¹⁰, in which R¹⁰ represents hydrogen, fluorine,chlorine, cyano, hydroxy, (C₁-C₄)-alkoxy, methylsulphonyl,2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl or a group of the formula -L¹-C(═O)—OR¹¹,-L¹-NR^(12A)R^(12B), -L¹-C(═O)—NR^(13A)R^(13B),-L²-S(═O)₂—NR^(13A)R^(13B) or -L³-R¹⁴, where (C₁-C₄)-alkyl and(C₁-C₄)-alkoxy may be substituted by a radical selected from the groupconsisting of hydroxy, methoxy, ethoxy and amino or up to three times byfluorine, and in which L¹ represents a bond or —CH₂—, L² represents abond, L³ represents a bond or —O—, R¹¹ represents hydrogen, R^(12A) andR^(12B) independently of one another represent hydrogen or methyl orR^(12A) and R^(12B) are attached to one another and together with thenitrogen atom to which they are attached form an azetidin-1-yl,pyrrolidin-1-yl or piperidin-1-yl ring, each of which may be substitutedby a radical selected from the group consisting of cyano, hydroxy andmethoxy, or a piperazin-1-yl, 4-methylpiperazin-1-yl or morpholin-4-ylring, R^(13A) and R^(13B) represent independently of one anotherhydrogen or methyl, and R¹⁴ represents an azetidin-3-yl,pyrrolidin-3-yl, piperidin-3-yl or piperidin-4-yl ring, each of whichmay be substituted by hydroxy, and its salts, solvates and solvates ofthe salts.
 5. Process for preparing compounds of the formula (I)according to claim 1, wherein either [A] an aniline derivative of theformula (II)

in which Ar^(N), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵ and R⁶ have the meaningsgiven in claim 1 and (PG-) represents an optional nitrogen protectivegroup in the case that Y in Ar^(N) represents NH, is coupled in an inertsolvent in the presence of a condensing agent with a carboxylic acid ofthe formula (III)

in which Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given in claim 1, togive the carboxamide of the formula (IV)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³,Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above, and the protective group PG, ifpresent, is then removed, or [B] a 1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivativeof the formula (V)

in which Ar^(N), R¹, R² and R³ have the meanings given in claim 1 and(PG-) represents an optional nitrogen protective group in the case thatY in Ar^(N) represents NH, is coupled in an inert solvent with copper(I)catalysis with a phenyl bromide of the formula (VI)

in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meaningsgiven in claim 1, to give the 1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazolederivative of the formula (IV)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³,Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above, and the protective group PG, ifpresent, is then removed, or [C] an aminopyrazole derivative of theformula (VII)

in which Ar^(N), R¹, R² and R³ have the meanings given in claim 1, R¹⁵represents methyl or ethyl, and (PG-) represents an optional nitrogenprotective group in the case that Y in Ar^(N) represents NH, is coupledin an inert solvent under palladium catalysis with a phenyl bromide ofthe formula (VI)

in which R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meaningsgiven in claim 1, to give a compound of the formula (VIII)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, R¹⁵, Z¹, Z²,Z³, Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above, the compound of the formula(VIII) is then cyclised by treatment with acid to give the1-phenyl-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivative of the formula (IV)

in which Ar^(N), (PG-), R¹, R², R³, R^(4A), R^(4B), R⁵, R⁶, Z¹, Z², Z³,Z⁴ and Z⁵ have the meanings given above, and the protective group PG, ifpresent, is then removed, and the compound of the formula (I) obtainedin this manner is optionally converted with an appropriate (i) solventand/or (ii) acid or base into a solvate, salt or solvate of the saltthereof.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. A pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a compound as defined in claim 1 in combinationwith one or more inert, nontoxic, pharmaceutically suitable auxiliaries.10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as defined inclaim 1 in combination with one or more further active compounds. 11.(canceled)
 12. A method for the treatment or prevention of a neoplasticdisorder or tumour disorder in a human or animal comprisingadministering to the human or animal an effective amount of at least onecompound as defined in claim 1.